Jr. John Popka

Herkimer, NY-John Popka, Jr. 87, passed away Thursday, March 22, 2018 at St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital with his loving family by his side. John was a lifelong Herkimer resident, born on January 29, 1931 to John and Mary (Dombrowska) Popka (both of Lemko descent).  In his early years, John worked on the Popka family farm on Steuben Hill Road, Herkimer. He graduated from Herkimer High School in 1948; his yearbook quote read "Least said; Soonest mended", words he lived by.  He found his calling as a woodworker and cabinetmaker; the field he worked in for many years until his retirement. John was admired for his woodworking skills as well his strong work ethic. His woodworking accomplishments included the doors on the Methodist church on North Prospect Street in Herkimer and restoration to the woodwork in Utica’s Union Station.  John enjoyed gardening and tinkering around his house and in his workshop. He is survived by his three children from his first wife Mary, Terry (Joseph) Carlesimo, John (Susan) Popka and Taffey Popka; five grandchildren, Joseph (Colleen) Carlesimo, Anita (Mark) Weimer, Melissa (Timothy) Lamb, Jacob (Sasha) Popka and Joshua Popka; several great- grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; his sister Helen Witkowski; several nieces and nephews; and his two lifelong friends Ted Beckingham and Denny Arndt.  He was preceded in death by his second wife Patricia (Hotaling) Popka; his sisters and brother-in-laws Anna (Peter) Woytowich, Rose (John) Sokol, Sophie (Emil) Sokol and Edward Witkowski. A memorial service will be held at the family's discretion at a later date.  Daniel J. Enea Funeral and Cremation Care, 5860 State Route 5 (near St. Mary's Cemetery), between Herkimer and Little Falls, 315-508-5250, has been entrusted with Mr. Popka's funeral arrangements.  Please click above to add to his online memorial.