John H. Popeck

POPECK Dr. John H. Popeck Dr. John H. Popeck (Jack), 76, a life long educator who worked as Dean of Students at Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria campus died June 8, 2008 at his home in Springfield, Virginia surrounded by his loving family. Dr. Popeck was born Easter Sunday, March 27, 1932 to Peter and Agnes Popeck of Clintonville, Wisconsin. He attended St. Rose Elementary School and Clintonville High School where he was active in debate team, drama and athletics; earning all conference designation for football. He continued his football and academics at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (then Stevens Point Teachers College) graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree and earning all conference status for football in 1953. Upon graduation he was drafted in the US Army and was stationed in Korea. In addition to his Army duties, Dr. Popeck served as a volunteer English teacher to Korean children. After his honorable discharge in 1955, Dr. Popeck began his professional career as an educator at Pulaski High School where he taught English and coached football and baseball. Following 13 years of dedicated service, he accepted a scholarship grant and earned a Masters of Science Degree in Counseling from California State University, Los Angeles in 1968. A Kellogg Fellowship led Dr. Popeck to the University of Florida where, in 1971, he received his Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration The summer of 1971 brought Dr. Popeck to Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) as the Coordinator of Counseling for the Alexandria campus then located in warehouses near Baileys Crossroads. He was promoted to Dean of Student Services and served in that capacity until he retired in 1997. Dr. Popeck was involved in the community of Springfield where he coached youth sports for many of his six children. Active in his church, he taught CCD for 18 years and served as a lector. He was also past president of the St. Bernadette School Home and School Guild. In his retirement, Dr. Popeck enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, playing Senior Softball and working out in the gym. He volunteered at Lee District RECenter in Fairfax County where he was recognized as Volunteer of the Year in 2001. Dr. Popeck is survived by his wife of fifty years, Rose Popeck; children Peggy Byers and husband Mike, Peter and wife Christine, Mary Kay Popeck Snow and husband Steve, Jane Popeck, Amy DiGiulian and husband John; sister Mary Lowney and husband Roger. He is preceded in death by sons Christopher and infant Joseph, brother Joseph Popeck, sister Dorothy Olsen, and parents Peter and Agnes Popeck. Dr. Popeck is also survived by grandchildren Joey, Charlie and Shelby Byers; Jack, Maggie and Rosie DiGiulian; Jackson and Nicholas Popeck; Ari and Jeremiah Snow and many other loving relatives and friends. Viewing will be at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, Old Keene Mill Rd., Springfield, VA 10 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial, 12:30 p.m., followed by burial at Fairfax Memorial Park, Braddock Rd, Fairfax, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sara Plavchan Rehab Fund, c/o Stephen and Laurie Plavchan, 6300 Julian St., Springfield, VA, 22150. Arrangements by Demaine Funeral Home in Springfield.