William D. Popp

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Pennsylvania State University Shippensburg University

William Popp Obituary

William D. Popp William D. Popp, 65, of Reading, PA, died Monday, December 13, 2004 in Mt. Nittany Medical Center, State College. He was a retired Associate Professor of Physical Education at Albright College, Reading, where he coached football and the men and women's track teams. He was a graduate of Steelton High School Class of 1956, Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree, Shippensburg University with a Masters Degree in Education and Counseling. He was member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Reading, American Football Coaches Assn., Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, Penn State Football Letterman Club, Varsity Club, Alumni Club and the Nittany Lion Club. He was the son of the late William J. and Margaret Lengyll Popp and was preceded in death by a son, William G. Popp. He is survived by his wife, Doris J. Benedict Popp; one son, John M. Popp and his wife, Amy, of Powell, Ohio; one daughter, Ann M. Popp of Reading; and one sister, Patricia A. Anthony of Wyomissing. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 17, 2004 at 11:00 am in Prince of Peace-Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 815 S. Second St., Steelton, PA with Rev. Richard Clement, Pastor of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Reading, as celebrant. Inurnment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, West Hanover Twp. at the convenience of the family. There will be no viewing or visitation. Arrangements are being handled by Wiedeman Funeral Home, Steelton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 1018 No. Eighth St., Reading, PA 19604 or Home Nursing Agency Hospice, 900 Bryan St., Suite 7, Huntingdon, PA 16652. www.wiedemanfuneralhome.com

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Published by Centre Daily Times on Dec. 15, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for William Popp

4 Entries

Sophia Bussa Bussa (Herchelroath)

December 20, 2004

Deepest condolences Doris on the loss of your beloved husband.

Bob Sidman

December 18, 2004

Doris: I grieve with the you and your children over the loss of your husband. My own physical ailments prevented me from attending the funeral mass and burial. It's sad when the inevitable occurs, moreso in Bill's case. You and your family have lost a loving and caring husband. And the rest of us have lost a coach and counselor to uncounted numbers of college students. At our high school reunions, while you, Doris, were off chatting with our fellow William Penn High School classmates, Bill and I were quietly discussing the sorrows of coaching and the joys of counseling. Counseling won out every time. Bill won every time, too.

Bob Sidman

Harrisburg

Joan Wotring

December 16, 2004

Deepest sympathy to Doris Benedict Popp and the family of William Popp. Though miles away, my thoughts will extend to you in the days to come.

Herbert Nauss Jr.

December 16, 2004

I want to express my best wishes for the extended William Popp family this Holiday season.. I am certain your memories and 'great adventures' are being obscured by the emotional loss of a husband, father, brother, grandfather, coach, and friend.

My emotions are entangled by the many ways 'Coach' helped me become a man.. become a better athlete... become a more responsible human being... become aware of the complexities of our society... become a resiliant - adaptive participant, and not a revengeful - hardened misfit.

Thank you Coach !!

His influences provided me with the motivations to reach for my dreams....

His frankness made me face my vulnerabities, and my insecurities...

I never mentioned it to him, but his insight and career helped me decide to pursue an advanced education, to coach young people, to reach out to counsel

students, and most importantly to be a 'genuine' person willing to seek the good, not pursue the weaknesses of people.

The loss I feel relates to a special person capable of recognizing my flaws, but understanding the 'core spirit'. His presence was not an overbearing one toward me, but more of an aware lifeguard watching from poolside prepared to intercede when or if needed. This unique quality was also his most misunderstood.. the ability to demand the best from within rather than pressure from without. Many saw the 'lion' roar, yet too few ever felt the 'personal touch of compassion'.. usually because they were

intimidated or uncapable of completing the task.

Doris, the meeting in August was very important: 1) It allowed us both to unload feelings that had lingered far too many years; 2) The moment captured 'emotional truths'; 3) It reconciled misunderstood insights; 4) This experience reinforced a shared 'mutual respect'; 5) The intense feelings will forever be reclaimed.

Coach was one of the few in the 'system' that believed in me, and I will be forever grateful. My aloofness has been a defense mechanism, because I always felt I owed him so much more that I could ever repay. I never wanted to let him down.

Thus, the decade of the 80's was a hands-on experience in Higher Education Administration. An intentional act: a) to improve my self-worth beyond athletics; b) to be successful in the Student Affairs profession that had once labeled me 'dysfunctional'; c) to change the 'system' from within. (.. eventually realizing the lack of integrity both from within and without doomed my aspirations, and the beat goes on!!) Sound familiar Doris, too often I ran into similar (80's) roadblocks or familiar (60's) walls of indifference that frustrated Coach.

Preparation for this moment was attempted mentally, but I feel so inadequate to grasp words or thoughts to fully express my appreciation. Doris, you and Coach were so strong. You are an angel to be able to cope with the realities of the 'disease'. Important decisions were made to help cope with your futures. I have great respect for you both.

May we meet in the beyond..

Smile for old times sake,

misinterpret the Nittany report,

and then continue to pursue

unworldly adventures.

Coach believed in me and I will always love him for his faith, trust, and integrity.