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Neil Poppensiek Obituary
ITHACA - Neil Allen Poppensiek, 63, of Ithaca, died of leukemia on Tuesday, July 8, 2008, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, surrounded by those he loved and who loved him.
Born in Teaneck, NJ to Dr. George C. and Edith M. Poppensiek, Neil moved with his family to Ithaca in 1949. He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1963, received a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from Gettysburg College in 1967 and a Master of Science in Education from Elmira College in 1989.
Neil was proud of his enlisted service in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserve from 1967 to 1973 and later his service as a commissioned officer from 1975 until his retirement in 1992 at the rank of Commander.
Employed at Cornell University as insurance manager for 18 years, he then switched his career to teaching in 1989. Neil retired as a vocational resource teacher in 2005 from TST BOCES. During the last few summers (as he did in high school), Neil enjoyed working at Robert H. Treman State Park and was a charter member and past President of the Friends of Robert H. Treman State Park.
An avid outdoorsman, Neil loved to take his daughters hiking, fishing, and frog and snake catching. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, both as a Scout and as an adult leader, a member of the Cayuga Trails Club, and the Adirondack Museum, where he also worked for several summers as an archivist.
A local history enthusiast, his special passions were researching the history of the CCC Camp in Enfield and the lives of the early settlers on Connecticut Hill where he spent countless hours hiking and exploring. He enjoyed sharing his research findings via lectures and slide shows with many local groups and was a wealth of knowledge for other local history bluffs.
Since 1962, Neil was a member of the History Center of Tompkins County, and also served as a past President. He was a member of the Ithaca Antique Automobile Enthusiasts, Historic Ithaca, and the Cayuga Heights Volunteer Fire Company. Professionally, he was a member of the University Risk Management and Insurance Association, the National Association of College and University Business Officers, the TST BOCES Teachers' Association, and the Naval Reserve Association.
Predeceased by his mother, Edith Poppensiek in 2006; Neil is survived by his wife, Danilee; and his daughters, Michelle Ann Poppensiek, Megan Lee Woolley and her husband, Paul; his father, Dr. George C. Poppensiek; and his sister, Leslie Howe. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathleen and Michael Sprague and Linda and Marco Sartori; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Plans for a memorial service will be announced at a later date. Those wishing to celebrate Neil's memory are asked to consider donations to the Friends of Robert H. Treman State Park, c/o Alice Geary, Treasurer, 435 Bostwick Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850; or the charity of one's choice. www.lansingfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Neil Poppensiek
Karel Hruska
July 26, 2008
Dear Professor George Poppensiek,
On behalf of the Veterinary Biotechnology, Epidemiology and Food Safety Network and the International Advisory Board we would like to extend our deepest condolences on the sad news of the death of your beloved son Neil.
Kris J. Wojciechowski and Karel Hruska
Suzanne Hicks
July 25, 2008
My dear George and Leslie: My heart goes out to you both, as well as to Danilee and the girls, whom I never had the pleasure of meeting, over the tragedy surrounding Neil's death. You have had much sadness over the past couple of years, first with Edee's death and now Neil's; please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you make the enormous adjustment to life without Neil. The friendship between our families spans many decades and even though I cannot be there physically to support you, I send my continuing love.
-Suzy Hicks-
Barbara & Kris Wojciechowski
July 24, 2008
Dear George,
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to yourself anf your Family on the tragic and premature death of your beloved Son Neil Allen.
We share your grief with our whole hearts.
May Good look down on him in mercy Barbara and Kris Wojciechowski
MaryLou FURNACE
July 24, 2008
Dear Poppensiek's ALL,
I am very disappointed that I cannot be there with you this evening @ the Old Mill @ upper Treman, to Celebrate the life and friendship of one of my dearest long-tme friends. I will, however, be there in SPIRIT, and keep all of you in my prayers.
Heaven has welcomed one of THIS Life's BEST! I hope we can all look forward to a reunion THERE one day!!
Sadly, but fondly,
MaryLou Funace
Jerzy Kita
July 24, 2008
Dear Dr. G. Poppensieck,
Beata has found in internet this sad information about the death of your son Neil. I am so sorry and I like to expresse my sympathy to you. I understand very well your situation.
I will pray and will be with you.
Pat McElwee
July 23, 2008
Dear Danilee,
How sad I was to read this. I will always be grateful to him for recovering my high school ring. What a whimsical connection back to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With love.
ED AND PEGGI WHEELER
July 23, 2008
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Jean (Watros) Drennon
July 21, 2008
To Neil's Family;
We had our 45th reunion of IHS this past week-end and we all remembered him. He has not been forgotten. Time heals all, may God bless you and all who knew Neil.
Alex and Ana Beattie
July 20, 2008
Dear Danilee,
My wife Ana and I are very sad about Neil's passing. I ALWAYS enjoyed my many conversations with Neil during our Naval Reserve drills and at DEFDOC's drill-day lunch outings and during the unit's occasional dinners and Christmas get-togethers. I always found Neil to be a very refined person and a real gentleman.
His snake collection fascinated me despite my unsurmountable fear of snakes, because as a northern Pennsylvania boy (Williamsport), I appreciated that his favorite "snake catching spots" were on the southern slopes of my boyhood beloved northern Pennsylvania mountain ridges.
I was the unit's (almost) only enlisted person, and usually the only enlisted person in the unit at the get-togethers, and Ana is the Spaniard from Madrid, whom you may remember.
We appreciate that we were able to pass a pleasant evening with you and Neil at DefDoc's latest dinner get-together at Brae Loch Inn in Cazenovia a few years ago.
Sincerely yours,
Alex and Ana Beattie
Loulie and George Kent
July 18, 2008
Danilee,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sophie Capolongo
July 17, 2008
Dear Danilee, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Neil was such a sweet man, always kind and helpful in any dealings I had with him when he worked at Toboggan Lodge. My prayers are with you and your family.
Sophie Capolongo
Largo, FL
Neil discusses archeological artifacts from the park at Cornell, April 1, 2006.
Tony Ingraham
July 17, 2008
I am deeply saddened to learn of Neil’s death after his valiant struggle to return to a normal life. The Friends of Robert H. Treman State Park have lost their current vice president, founder, past president, and precious friend. He was a sweet man. I doubt anyone could exceed his love of the park and its history, and particularly his knowledge of that beautiful place. He and I had planned to record his slide show about the CCC camp sometime this year, a program he put together after years of research and interviews of CCC veterans. He had a deep and wonderful knowledge of the Hamlet of Enfield Falls, the community that preceded the park and included the Old Mill, and a number of other structures that no longer exist. I particularly admired Neil’s devotion to accuracy, detail, and precision in his research and knowledge. Not only have we all lost a dear friend, but we’ll never be able to consult Neil again about all those things he knew and loved about the park.
Tony Ingraham, President
Friends of Robert H. Treman State Park
Jim and Tracy Meehan
July 17, 2008
We are so sorry to hear of Neil's passing. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers.
Marjorie and Vern Laughlin
July 15, 2008
Danilee, Dr. Poppensiek, Leslie and family We were so sorry to learn of Neil's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May wonderful memories help to comfort you and your family. With deepest sympathy, Vern and Marge
MENA NEPA
July 15, 2008
We were very sad to hear of Neil's passing. I was his barber for many years. I always looked forward to seeing him and having great conversations with him. He is a wonderful man, I will truly miss him. I am very sorry. George, Danilee and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Mena and all of us at Gene's.
Nhung Nguyen
July 14, 2008
Danilee and Family,
I was so sad to hear of Neil's passing. He was my great English tutor. He helped me very much when I was in TC3 Community College and BOCES in year 1992. He was always a very kind, sweet, polite, funny and gentleman. He never said "NO" every time I asked for help. Without him, I am not where I am right now. I remember and am greatful for all his time and help always. There are no words for me to say how much he will be missed. May he rest in peace. I hope you will get over with this most difficult time soon. God bless.
His Baesdt student
Hung Nguyen
July 14, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family always. You are such a wonderful person. I remember the best time with you about 15 years ago when I first came to America as a refugee. You were always there to teach, to share and to help. With out you, I would not be where I am today. Thank you and good bye Neil..........
Hung Nguyen and family
July 14, 2008
Dear Danilee, Michelle, Megan
The Board of Education and administration of the TST BOCES wish to extend their deepest sympathy to you. Neil will be remembered as a loyal and dedicated teacher, a gentleman and a friend.
Tom and Sarah Yengo
July 14, 2008
Danilee, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Edward A. Aldrich
July 13, 2008
Neil and I spent much time together with the antique cars that we had. I sold Neil a beautiful 1953 Cadillac,and later bought a Very nice 1940 Oldsmobile from Neil. These were good times in our lives.
Edward A.Aldrich
John and Carol McCoy
July 13, 2008
Danilee,
Neil had a kind heart. He will be missed by many. Our prayers are with you and your family.
John and Carol McCoy
David Dunn
July 13, 2008
Dear Danilee: Although Joyce and I were never privileged to know Neil well, we of course remember you yourself fondly from our days at the Hotel School together (yours truly retired 14 years ago!). Our fondest thoughts are with you. David and Joyce Dunn
Lowell Munson
July 12, 2008
Danilee, Carol and I were profoundly saddened to hear of Neil's passing. He was a great friend and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with you and the girls and we believe that hope will prevail for the future.
Jim Reynolds
July 12, 2008
Danilee and family,
I am truly sorry to hear of Neil's passing. I looked forward to seeing him every fall at Geyysburg College's Homecoming Weekend. He has been a good friend of mine since we were roommates (along with Craig) during our sophomore year at college. He will be missed by me and my family.
Neil and Janine Massa
July 12, 2008
Sincere condolences. We were neighbors on Pine Tree Road when Neil was a young boy.
Jane and Doug Wells
July 12, 2008
Neil was a wonderful coworker and good friend. He will be missed.
Martha Benninger
July 12, 2008
Neil was very special to my Mom and Dad, Kay and Art Wyman. They so enjoyed working with him at the Adirondack Museum and cherished the contact he continued after both he and my Dad became ill. My Mom sends her prayers to you and your family and feels certain that Neil and Dad are continuing their discussions of Adirondack history in Heaven!
Eleanore Miller Swigart
July 11, 2008
My mother Ruth A Miller, formerly from 216 Enfield Falls Rd there outside the park sends her love to Neil's family. Mom resides with me now in Stevens Point, WI and I well remember those days and nights as babysitter for Neil and Leslie! We call those the "good ole days!" Mom misses being with the "Friends of Treman" and spoke many times of Neil with fond memories and she was so pleased with him! We send our love to each of the family.
Our Last Navy Intel Reunion
Marlene & Ken (CDR-R) Patterson
July 11, 2008
Danilee, Michelle & Megan:
Marlene and I, along with Neil's entire Navy Intel family, were extremely sad that Neil was taken from you and us. He was one of the truly great people we were privledged to meet in our Naval careers. He was a professional (in the true sense of the word) always a gentleman, there whenever you needed him, great sense of humor and just a pleasure to be around. It is a privledge to call him a friend and a buddy. He was part of the glue that made our Navy family what it was and is today. To say that his passing leaves a void in our lives is a tremendous understatement. His love for his family and his country were unending. We all share in your deep sadness and we will always be here for you. We all served together, we retired together, we partied together....we will always be together in heart and spirit. The world has lost one of the best. Fair Winds and Following Seas my friend.
Bernie Cook
July 11, 2008
Danilee & Family ,
So sorry to hear of Neils passing . I went to school with you and my wife Carol Blatchley went to school with Neil .I know there are no words that can say how much he will be missed .All we can hope for is that Neil is now in our Lords hands now and he will take good care of him .Danilee My heart goes out to you and your family and God will give you the strength to get through it I am sure .
An old friend from years gone by ,
Bernie & Carol ( Blatchley ) Cook
Thomas Stamp (USAF Retired)
July 11, 2008
My sympathy to the Poppensiek family. From one military retiree to another, we lower the flag today in your honor, sir. Thank you for faithful service and may God Bless your family as God takes you into his open arms. I went to school many years ago with Leslie.
John Kugel
July 11, 2008
Dear Danilee, Michelle, Megan,
I was very saddened to hear of Neil's passing. I too have so many fond memories of the brief times we shared when he would come and visit our family in NJ and our visits to Ithaca. It has been far too long since I last have had the pleasure of a visit, but you and Neil have been in my thoughts and prayers often.
John
joanne lelik
July 11, 2008
kathy, sorry to hear about your brother. my sister julie went to school with neil . your sorrow will heal in time but remember all the good memories. god bless your friend joanne lelik
Doris Conover
July 11, 2008
To the Poppensiek Family,
With love and deep sympathy for the loss of a very special friend. I will always treasure the fond memories I have of Neil's many visits to my brother Bob's home in Verona, NJ. He will be deeply missed by the Kugel family.
May the Peace of Christ be with the Poppensiek family as you begin your grief journey.
Blessings,
Doris Kugel Conover
George and Elaine Smith
July 11, 2008
Dear Danilee and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Memories of time spent with Neil will remain special to us. May he rest in peace.
Tony & Jackie DiLucci
July 11, 2008
Dear Danilee, Michelle, Megan
We have lost a good friend and a good teacher. Neil will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Frank & Dianne Prudence
July 11, 2008
Dear Danilee & family;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
RICH & JILL WEISS
July 11, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. Neil was one of our best and most well liked teachers at BOCES. He will be missed.
Butch Wyllie
July 11, 2008
Danilee,
My condolences to you & your family.
ED AND PEGGI WHEELER
July 11, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Ed Kowalski
July 11, 2008
Danilee & family,
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I had the distinct pleasure to work with Neil at Toboggan Lodge. (Life Safety) Neil was a "Gentlemen's Gentleman". Always proffessional, compassionate, with a great sense of humor. He will be missed by many. May he Rest in Peace. God Bless.
Ed Kowalski
EH&S
Cornell University
MaryLou [Ferris] Furnace
July 10, 2008
Dear Danilee, Michelle, Megan, Dr. Poppensiek, and Leslie,
I was very sad to learn from my brother today, and later in the paper that Neil had lost his long, courageous fight.
He was one of the best people I have ever known. Always the gentleman, kind and polite to all he met; and a wonderful role model for us all. Neil was a true friend, and I will always remember him.
We will keep you all in our prayers @ this most difficult time. Our hearts go out to you all!
Fondly,
MaryLou [Ferris] Furnace, and family
Eugene Erickson
July 10, 2008
Danilee, George, Leslie, and girls,
We were saddened to hear the news about Neil. We will miss his abiding interest in the world around him.
Gene and Ann Erickson
Nino Lama
July 10, 2008
To all Neil's girls,
Neil was a good friend, always upright, forthright, and congenial, a man who always took the high road. And a man who could appreciate the beauty in an old Cadillac. I am grateful to have been his friend. He was a generous and kind man.
Al and Margie Perna
July 10, 2008
Danilee, Sincere sympathy and prayers go out to you and your Family in your loss of Neil. Love, Al and Margie
Randy and Judy Hausner
July 10, 2008
Danilee and family,
We are so saddened to hear that Neil has lost his courageous and long battle. His suffering is over and your's continues. We shall keep you all in our thoughts and prayers
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