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Theodore Popovich Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Popovich
Janice Jaksich
October 26, 2005
What do I say that hasn't already been said about Teddy N. Popovich, an icon, legend, entertainer. When I was growing up, I would stare at him in awe at how this man would bring so much enjoyment into our lives. Whenever he played his bugarija, his eyes would twinkle, he would break out in a wide smile and sing with such gusto. He derived enjoyment in watching us appreciate the music he held so dear. South Chicago is blessed that the Popovich Family made this their home. Niko Nema Sto Srbin Imade - Srbin Ima Todora N. Popovich.
BOB SAMARZICH
October 12, 2005
TEDDY HAS LEFT SOMETHING THAT ALL OF HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS WILL HAVE FOREVER. HIS VOICE AND MUSIC, AND A MAN OF MUCH CLASS.
Doreen Merich and Ted Merich
October 10, 2005
Teddy, oh Teddy. Our cultural icon is gone. We watched you and you showed us how to be Serbian. We listened and you told us we had what no one else had. And that it was ours forever. For those of us who came up in the late 50's, 60's, and 70's, you were the soundtrack of a great portion of our lives. Thank you for a lifetime of music and memories.
Alex and Zora Malich
October 9, 2005
We attended Zadusnice services at the St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Monroeville, Penna., during the time of +Ted Popovich's funeral, and lit candles for him, +Adam, and all of the deceased Popovichs. It was fitting that prayers were being said in our parish as well since the Popovichs were held in such high regard, and admired by the Kordun Serbs who populated Wilmerding and now Monroeville. The late Robert Rade Stone said that they were the drummer boys for America's Serbs, rallying and inspiring them. It saddens us that the legendary pillars of Serbian America are one by one joining our pioneers in Heaven, but we know that the song that the Popovichs left behind will continue to inspire us to preserve and promote what our ancestors have built for us and for future generations. We recently acquired an LP record player, and can't tell you how many times we have played the SSS Sloboda performing the Death of the Guslar -- Teddy Popovich will always live on in our home. Slava mu!, and sincere condolences to his entire family.
Dan & Helen Dopudja
October 8, 2005
Now the heavens will surely ring because all the boys are finally together. Thank you Ted and brothers along with Pete for supplying an entire community with pride and pleasure. What a family
Georgia Somma
October 7, 2005
He was certainly loved and adored by his family and he made many of us feel a part of an extended family, the Serbian family. He is eternally connected to many special occasions through the music he made and the songs he sang. There is only one Teddy Popovich. He is a legend.
Steve Sarovich
October 7, 2005
No man, along with his talented brothers including Pete, was responsible for more Serbian fun and good times than Ted.
Bob Lalich
October 7, 2005
Words cannot adequately convey my feelings toward Ted and all the Popovich Brothers and family. My deepest sympathy to all the family. I am proud to have known Teddy and priviledged to have played with the Brothers for over 20 years. Not only did I learn about music during those years, I learned a lot about putting your heart into what you do and treating people with respect. All the brothers were true gentlemen. They lived full lives which should be celebrated, even though it will be hard to say goodbye for now for those of us who will miss them so much. It is truly the end of an era.
Lana & Stevo Baich
October 7, 2005
Seja, Natalie, Danella, Diane and Families,
Our deepest sympathy to the Popovich Family. Nobody has any idea of just how many hjearts and souls Teddy Popovich reached and will continue to reach through his music, the Ziveli movie and through the entire Popovich family. Each and every one of you carries a part of Ted to continue his legacy.
I will always remember the joke he pulled on the Canadian customs inspector which almost got everyone held up when the Chicago choir visited Niagara Falls 30 years ago.
Slava mu, Vecnaja pamjat.
Lana & Stevo Baich and Family
Danica & Janet Belfield
October 7, 2005
Dear Seja & Family,
Teddy's legacy has always had, and will forever have a heartbeat all its own, but you already know that. We offer you our sincerest "thanks" for sharing your husband, uncle, and grandfather with us all these years. We promise to keep him in our hearts forever. We promise to take everything he has taught us and be responsible for it.
With Love & Blessings,
Desa Radowick
October 7, 2005
Our sympathies to the entire Popovich family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sam, Desa, Nadia & Alex Radowick
Valerie, Sam, Crista, Nick & Luke Backo
October 7, 2005
Dearest Seja, Natalie & Family, Danella, Bob, Robbie, Nichole & Nenad, Teddy and the entire Popovich Family,
Teddy's beautiful voice will sing in my heart forever. May the Dear Lord grant him eternal peace and memory eternal.
Steven Richards
October 7, 2005
Dear Popovich Family and Friends:
On behalf of all my family, please except my deepest sympathies over the passing of a great man and legend. Teddy truly was one of a kind. He was a man that all of us admired for his talents. His singing alone created an inspiration that being Serbian is special.
This passing represents a closing of an era that can never be replaced. We can not recreate those captivating days when church communities were much closer and life much less undemanding. To all of us that remember those times, let us remember with happiness, for each of us have been blessed.
George & Rosemarie Patrash
October 7, 2005
Along with his brothers and Pete Mistovich, Teddy and the Popovich Brothers Orchestra were THE most popular & famous tambura orchestra of their time. Always crowd pleasers and excellent musicians, they were the quintessential ambassadors of tambura music for our generation. And at the center of it all, sporting his signature moustache and singing with his unmistakable baritone voice, was the one, THE ONLY, Teddy Popovich. May he rest in peace. And Teddy, thanks for the memories.
In fond memory,
Kata & Art Anderson
October 6, 2005
Fond memories of listening to Teddy belt out those 'great old songs' while we stood shoulder to shoulder in the Rafters! Those were the days and Teddy made them so memorable. HVALA and Rest in Peace friend.
Janie Katich
October 6, 2005
My deepest sympathy to the entire Popovich Family. Teddy was truly an icon in the muscial field. I remember my late husband Zivo talking about his visits to the area and having coffee and fresh bread at Milan Opacich's house on Mondays and enjoying an impromptu jam session with Milan, Adam, and Teddy. The tambura world will never be the same. Memory eternal.
Bob Berar
October 6, 2005
My deepest sympathy is extended to the entire Popovich Family.
Mark Marusich
October 6, 2005
Dear Popovich Family Members,
Of course, there are no words that can adequately express my sympathy, but know I grieve with you and your family in your time of sorrow. Teddy was truly a legend in his own time. The Popovich Brothers collectively had more impact on Serbians and Serbianism than any other singular family in America. Teddy and his brothers have left a legacy that not only will never be forgotten, but will continue to be celebrated for years to come. My prayers are with your families
Vjecnaja Pamjat.
Robert and Desane (Sandy) Blaney
October 6, 2005
We extend our deepest sympathy to the Popovich family. Teddy's memory and music will be eternal.
Mark Doncic
October 6, 2005
It was with sadness that Yvonne and I learned of Ted's passing. As I wrote to his nephew Marko Trbovich when he notified me, a book is closing on a remarkable generation, and he more than most fostered our Serbian identity on this continentn as an ambassador for our music and traditions. He is now in God's hands but will always be remembered. To the family, accept our deepest sympathies. Vecan Spomen; Slava Mu!
Mark & Yvonne Doncic
Pittsburgh PA
Millard Golusin
October 6, 2005
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy is extended to the entire Popovich Family on this sad loss. Our family friendship has extended over three generations,and we all have been privileged to know this wonderful man.His warm congeniality, humor, and most of all, his rich baritone voice will be missed by all. It has been an honor to know this truely great legend in his own time. Vecnaja pamjat.
Sincerely,
The Golusin Family
Jim Raditic Jr.
October 6, 2005
Please accept my deepest sympathies with the loss of "Teddy." There isn't a tamburas in the U.S. that hasn't felt his influnence in our music. Those of us lucky enough to have met him, also know of his great presence and genuine kindness. Vjecnaja Pamjat!
Richard and Kathy Goich
October 6, 2005
Our deepest condolences to the entire Popovich family. The Popovich Bros. Orchestra is together again in a far better place. "Niko nema sto Srbin imade" will never be the same again. May his memory be eternal. Rest in peace dear friend.
Bob and Sylvia Vukmirovich
October 6, 2005
Teddy has contriubuted so much to our culture. He will be greatly missed.
Danny Danilovic
October 6, 2005
What a wonderful man Teddy was and what a legend as well. During my success with the United Serbs Orchestra I had many a long talk with Mr. Popovic and his brother Adam. I always enjoyed his powerful voice and couldn't help just staring at him as he sang. No other Tambura band kept me as entertained and fascinated as The Popovic Brothers did. We are losing a true pioneer and legend as well as a great voice and dear man. My sympathys to the entire family and all of his friends. And my thanks to Teddy for giving me the greatest of fun over the years and letting me discover Tambura music to the depths that I have. I truly was one of his greatest admirers.
Denise Kangrga
October 6, 2005
My sympathies to Teta Seja, Teta Nan, Teta Danella and their families. In my mind, Cici Teddy is the true meaning of a Serb. May we keep his memory alive in our hearts, minds, and in our music. Vjecnaja pamjat.
Jimmy, Marija, Erica & JT Kordesich
October 6, 2005
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of a wonderful man. He will be truly missed by everyone.
Mark & Suzanne Borato
October 6, 2005
In Loving Memory of "Teddy Popovich" You have enriched and touch many, many lives in your lifetime. Now it is your time to rest and enjoy the greatest gift with God. Play on forever.
Vjecna ja Pamjat!
Mim Bizic
October 6, 2005
My deepest and most sincere sympathies are being sent to all family members, which in a way, includes the entire Serbian community in the USA and Canada.
We all felt a part of the Popovich clan when Teddy would sing on the Kennywood Stage for Pittsburgh's 3-Day weekends. He would belt out those songs familiar to us all, and we couldn't help but be filled with joy all over.
My father, Milan, used to photograph him for the SRBOBRAN, a real character study with his marvelous long white moustache, fingers sometimes on his belt, accenturating his fabulous Serbian belt buckle that made my husband, Gus, so envious! The two of them shared many stories of that.
I remember how happy we were when Winnie married Teddy's daughter, Danella, and "brought her home", capturing Chicago's prize beauty and a part of the Popovich "magic" for Pittsburgh!
We're lucky as we can see Teddy Popovich over and over in the "Ziveli" movie, telling us who he was and what we as Serbs stood for. He loved and cherished his family and his heritage.
Beautiful memories. Vjecnaja pamjat on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, uncle and Kum.
Pero Pavlovich
October 6, 2005
You will always remain our dear friend and friend to the entire Pavlovich family of Detroit. Our shared music and friendship will live forever. We'll see you later Teddy, tamburas in hand.
Butch Price
October 6, 2005
My heart felt sympathy to the family. In my younger years at tournaments Teddy's music and vocals enriched my life.
Sam Poznanovich
October 6, 2005
We regret that we will be out of town this weekend.
Ted Ostoich
October 6, 2005
Thank you so much for enriching my life
with your soulful and angelic voice, for the Sunday mornings at the house, the words of encouragement, the jokes and the name which I carry with pride and honor. You wore life like a loose garment, enjoying every bit of what it had to offer.
The Staff of Thornridge Funeral Home
October 6, 2005
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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