John C. Popa Sr.

John Popa Sr., husband, father, and friend, was collected by angels July 21, 2010 to rest peacefully in his new heavenly home. John was born Dec. 6, 1924 to Romanian immigrants Anna and Vasilie Popa, in Campbell, Ohio.

As a young man, he loved to play baseball and go to Romanian dances; and in later life, even danced to the live music of Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller. John graduated from high school at age 16, and attended Youngstown State University for two years. He then joined the U.S. Merchant Marines and had seven tours around the world. On June 12, 1949 he married his sweetheart Lucretia (Lucy) Budak in Ohio. They celebrated 61 years of marriage in June 2010. John and Lucy have four children, Laura, Annette, Joanne, and John Jr.

In John's work career, he worked for Youngstown Sheet and Tube Steel Mill, the Singer Sewing Machine Company, and lastly, after moving to Montana, worked from 1955 until retirement for the Anaconda Aluminum Company.

John was an active community member in Columbia Falls as a City Council representative from 1971-1973. He spent seven years as president of Pee Wee Baseball in the late '50s and early '60s. John was a golfer and an avid bowler. John bowled for years on local leagues and boasted a 185 average. John is also a life member of the Knights of Columbus and the Eagles. You could not miss his support for the MSU Bobcats, as he sported a Bobcat hat on his outings with Lucy to the Backroom and the Nite Owl Cafe, their favorite eat-out locations. Thanks to the staff at these locations for making their regular dining table away from home feel like home!

The family would especially like to thank John and Lucy's caregivers, their second family, Jeanne and Dennis Howard; Ginger Owens; Nancy Meyers; and Rich Downen for their endless tender, loving care.

John outlived all of his family members and was preceded in death by his sister MaryAnn Dobrich, and his parents. John is survived by his wife, Lucy, his daughter Laura (Bill) Bishop and their children Anna and John Bishop; his daughter Annette (Bob) Bjelland, and their daughters Elissa (Jon) Oman, and Kari Bjelland; his daughter Joanne (Tom) Lindlof and their daughters Shea Popa-Wood, and Joanna (Bryan) Pearson; and his son John (Jan) Popa, and their sons Matt and Drew Popa.

"You left us with great memories, admiration for your ever sharp thinking and quick wit and a warm place in our hearts where we will always find you. We know you are the angel with a gin martini and lobster dinner celebrating a good life!"

A funeral service for John will be Saturday July, 31, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Fall. A private family graveside internment will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests, in Mom's honor, a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.