Michael Popovich

Michael Popovich - A new star has joined the galaxy today. Michael Popovich, 103, of West Hartford, beloved husband of 57 years to Grace Clark Fecteau Popovich died Friday, June 22, 2018. Born in Waterbury he lived in West Hartford over 70 years, retiring from Pratt & Whitney after 40 years of service. Michael had his private pilot's license and owned a bi-plane and a sister ship to the "Spirit of St. Louis". He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corp, Civil Air Patrol, and Army Air Corps. Michael personified the qualities of the greatest generation. His generosity, selflessness, humor, and gentle heart will always be remembered. A deeply spiritual man, Mike had a profound sense of wonder about astronomy and science, teaching himself the mechanics of telescope building, aeronautics, engineering, and in the last years of his life, clock repair. On his 101st birthday, Mike was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal for his heroic service in the Civil Air Patrol. He leaves his three daughters and sons in law Carole and Don Carso of Newington, Elaine and John Doherty of West Hartford, Joyce and Mario Petrella of West Hartford. Michael also leaves his grandchildren Lisa (Mark) Foster, Kyle (Dorothy) Carso, Sean (Theresa) Doherty, Colleen Bogli and fiancé Scott Caswell, Michael Petrella, David Petrella; great grand-children Shane Bogli, Cameron Bogli, Morgan Bogli, Patrick Doherty, Daniel Doherty, Nicholas Carso, Julia Carso, Benjamin Carso along with many nieces and nephews. Michael was pre-deceased by a brother, George Popovich and five sisters Theresa Popovich, Mary Semeraro, Eva Popovich, Ann Lopatosky, and Helen Word. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, June 26, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Helena Church, West Hartford. Burial will follow with full military honors in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. A calling hour period will be Tuesday from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. in St. Helena Church, 30 Echo Lane, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New England Air Museum, 36 Perimeter Road, Windsor, CT 06096 or the Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford at www.asgh.org. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.