Philip D. Popielski, Sr., 73, of 134 Valley Road, St. Marys passed away Thursday, April 25, 2013, at his home surrounded by his wife and friends.
He was born May 26, 1939 in Ridgway, son of the late Chester and Charlotte Donlan Popielski. He was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of Johnsonburg High School, Class of 1957. Phil entered into the Brothers of the Holy Cross in 1958 and received his habit on August 22, 1958. This began his lifelong love of Notre Dame and our Lady on the Golden Dome. He retired from Keystone Carbon Company in 2001 after 38 years of service.
On March 28, 1989 in Florida, he married Amy C. Bowley, who survives and was the rock of his life. He is also survived by his son, Philip D. Popielski, Jr. and his wife Stephanie of Westminster MD; four grandchildren, Cassandra, Michael, Sydney, and Joshua Popielski; and a sister, Maria Britten of Ridgway.
Philip was a member of the Queen of the World Church. He had a strong love of God and his church and was a member of the parish council while at St. Boniface Church in Kersey. He was very active in the Cursillo movement of Elk and Cameron Counties, and volunteered on Sundays to conduct the service at Pinecrest, Elk Haven, and Silver Creek Terrace. Phil enjoyed decorating for all the holidays and playing with his train collection which he had done all his life. He spent four years in the US Navy as a 1st class petty officer and served on the USS Boston as a Navy core man. He also spent three years at Fort Dietrich in the Navy Bio Lab.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Queen of the World Church on Monday, April 29, 2013, at 12:00 PM, with the Rev. Michael Ferrick, Pastor, officiating. Full military rites will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.
Visitation is at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Sunday, April 28, 2013, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Elk County Catholic School System, 114 Queens Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 or to the Elk County Cursillo Movement, c/o Paul and Mary Lynn Carnovale, 145 Villa Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.