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STEPHEN POPKO Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for STEPHEN POPKO
Sponsored by The Popko, Parker and Klock Family.
Marilyn
October 15, 2025
I guess grief does not have a termination date. I watch Pat and Joe; Nancy and John; and Marybeth and Diego doing stuff I would have liked to do with you. It hurts. But it is still worth the time I DID get to spend with you.
I see you as still tending to people wherever you are, sharing your special spirit, your "Holding Environment".
Love you always.
Boom
July 13, 2025
In Response To Rev. Anthony Borka:
This is Sharen, (AKA: Boom Boom Plunkett, as Steve called me.)
"Anthonx" (as Steve called you)... I remember you well. Our "Feast Days" were legendary and I will never forget you. - I also subscribe to this page, so when anyone writes anything new, I get notified and I can see what is being written.
Mary Beth Klock Perez.
July 13, 2025
In response to Rev. Anthony Borka :
I am Marilyn's youngest sister, Steve's favorite sister-in-law! Lol
I can attest to what you said regarding his amazing sense of humor. He was very clever, very quick and subtle. He would maintain a straight and emotionless face, and wing out the funniest things.
Many people did not catch it because you have to "listen" and be quick to decipher his tremendous and often naughty commentaries.
He often would throw out these one liners that really packed a punch. I was always taken back by the funny things that he could say and in short clips.He is missed tremendously by so many.. However, I always have a smile on my face when I think of my interactions with him. (Plus, he always had a great stash of Pepperidge Farm cookies that I could easily find and eat when he wasn't looking.)
As you can tell... Steve and I were destined to understand each other.
It was great to read your post.
Rev. Anthony Borka
July 12, 2025
I am surprised that people are still writing in this obit column. I just decided to see Stephen's obit so I looked it up and there he was. Steve was not my doctor but my friend since 1958.The stories I could tell you but I will say that it was Stephen who got me to come to Florida to go to Barry U. And so here I am at age 80 in 2025. Still miss my old friends who are passing away. Stephen was one that I hope to see in heaven. You don't know what a nut he was because apparently he was serious in his work but that is not the guy I knew.
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Mary Seibert
December 25, 2024
Dr. Popko and his Family
Dr. Popko was my Doctor my Friend and part of Our Family. I have read so many amazing Beautiful Loving messages on here about this beautiful Soul that has touched so many lives in so many ways. We are so blessed to have had him in All of our lives! We Love you and will always be forever in Our Hearts. Thank you for touching our Hearts
Love, Mary Seibert
Mary Beth Klock Perez
December 24, 2024
Sharon -
That was such a WONDERFUL tribute and message to your "back up Dad". I reaaly loved reading it . For sure Steve is smiling down at your each day with pride and all his love . Love you girl !
Joyce DeLapp-Menhennett
December 23, 2024
So many years have gone by since you left & I still think of you often & hold you close in my heart as a doctor, friend & counselor. I lost my medical doctor last year the day before I lost my Dave. You three have left memories in my life that will never be forgotten. Each of you helped me in different ways but was so very dear. Asking God for blessings on your wife & family!
Sharin Blackett, Daughter
December 22, 2024
14 years ago today, I lost one of THE MOST influential people ever to enter into my life. His name is Steve and I refer to him as my "Back-up Dad".
I remember like it was yesterday.... He was on his way out, and he knew it. I came over to the house to wish him and Marilyn Popko (my "MAIN Back-up Mom") a Merry Christmas. I was leaving the next morning headed to Philly to spend Christmas with my boyfriend´s (at the time) family. That night we talked and he told me he didn´t have much time left... I knew it, he told me it, but I thought he had at least a month or two, you know? But in less than a week after that night, I got the call. 14 years ago today... he passed peacefully in his sleep and he left this world to be with the God that he loved so much. I can´t think of a better way for anyone (but especially him) to pass on over to the other side.
This man was loved by so many, and certainly by me. He was the father figure in my daily life for my entire childhood and helped to raise me as if I were his own. I certainly wouldn´t be who I am today had he and Marilyn not taken me under their wings.
He was in the monastery at one point, almost became an ordained priest; he was a psychiatrist who helped many in private practice but also did psych evaluations and security clearances for the United States Air Force at the Homestead Air Force base. He was a creature of habit and self-discipline. He was a son, a husband, a brother, a nephew, and a father. He was a survivor of childhood cancer (shouldn´t have lived past the age of 4). Most of all though... for me... he is and will forever be, my "Blessed Steve".
I know he´s proud of me. OF COURSE he´s proud of me... I was one of his kids and he will always be proud of me.... But right now, in this moment of time... I´d like to think he´s looking down and can be less worried about me and is at more peace with the way my life is headed.
Thank you Blessed Steve for everything you´ve ever given me and have taught me in the 22 years that you were in my life on this Earth. I think of you and miss you often and I can´t wait until we see each other again.
RIP: Stephen Joseph Popko
10/15/1944 - 12/22/2010
(Photo taken was the night before my trip to Philly; the last time I was able to see his face)
Michelle Bell
June 2, 2024
Hi Marilyn. Its Michelle Bell. Im
So sorry for ur lost. Even tho i wasnt around for a very long time i do remember u all. N Mr. Popko was so very nice to me. May he continue to rest in peace. My best wishes Michelle Bell
Marilyn Klock Popko
December 24, 2023
Mary, Joyce and Pat: thanks for your remembrances. He had a powerful and healing presence. It is somehow comforting that others feel his absence as well. I appreciate the time you have taken to acknowledged him.....
Mary Seibert
December 24, 2023
Always in our Thoughts. Always in our Hearts. A Blessing to have known you.
Mary and Family
Joyce DeLapp-Menhennett
December 23, 2023
Dr. Popko was my doctor, friend, advisor and comforter when in need. I've thought of you so many times this year. I lost my David July 22, 2023 quite suddenly. He had been sick but I was still shocked & don't believe I've fully accepted his loss. I know, you my friend, would have helped me through it. I'm living with my daughter in Central Florida but we still both remember you & appreciate your many words. I know I'm not alone in these thoughts since I know you helped so many. Sending prayers & hugs to your family. I miss you my friend & doctor.
Pat Klock Parker
December 23, 2023
You are in our Hearts
Mary
December 25, 2022
We miss our friend. You are thought of often. You have touched so many hearts. A gift to have known you. Thank you.
Joyce DeLapp-Menhennett
December 23, 2022
Oh my! What a difficult year this has been & I've wished I could talk to my friend Dr Popko. I always felt better after our visits. I had a light stoke in July but God has blessed me with wonderful family who helped & I remembered the things you taught me. I sure do miss you my friend!!
Marilyn Klock Popko
December 23, 2022
There is always going to be a part of me missing because you are gone. I wish there were "Do Overs". I could be a better wife now than I was then. I wanted us to get old together, but I knew when I married you that your time was limited. I figure my 34 years with you, my Big Love, is more than many people get so I am grateful for our time and our memories.
Catherine, Sharen and Yanela miss you terribly as well. Life would be different for them, too, if you were still here. You were one of a kind.
And your patients miss you. I talk to some of them from time to time. I still meet with one of them. You made a big impression on this world while you were here.
You are with me always.
Debbie Harmon
October 17, 2022
Dallas and I think of you often. Miss and love you. Debbie and Dallas
Mary Beth
October 17, 2022
We miss you Steve
You were a great Dad and husband .
You left a legacy of love and great stories !! (But I have no one to steal
"hidden Pepperidge farm cookies)
Or complain about day old coffee left in the pot !! I still can't understand how you liked it that way .. lol
Or your straight faced , naughty social comments ..
Super witty, on point .. and only meant for those not in denial .
Marilyn Popko aka Mabel McGuillicutty
October 16, 2022
About 25% of me is still missing after 11 years. You will always be missed. By me, the kids, your patients, Marybeth, Joe and Pat..... The world is not as interesting without you in it.
Marilyn Klock Popko
August 3, 2022
Still a Big Hole. I was lucky to have a Big Love in my life!
Catherine Popko
February 22, 2022
I miss you, dad. More than ever.
Mary Seibert
December 23, 2021
We all miss you Dr. Popko
You will always be in our
Joyce DeLapp Menhennett
December 23, 2021
How often I've thought of you over the past year during troubled times with the world in chaos. You would have calmed me down with your quiet smile & understanding. The good news is Teresa & hubby have moved to St Pete in Fl. Such a blessing for me & we moved to the central east coast of Fl a few years ago. I still treasure your memory as a dear friend & counselor.
Marilyn Klock Popko
December 22, 2021
11 years today. Too long. I still feel like a real part of me is missing. There´s a hole in my spirit. I guess that´s the way it´s going to be.
I loved you, I love you, I will always love you.
The kids miss you terribly. They are missing someone they loved and depended on for guidance. You listened, they say, you really listened. And you did. To me, too!
Marilyn Klock Popko
December 27, 2020
Thanks to all of you for your messages. It means a lot to me and the kids. The world is a less loving and interesting place without him, isn’t it? He loved his family, he loved his friends and he loved his patients.
Debbie Harmon
December 25, 2020
Dallas and I think of you so often. I know you continue to watch over him. You were and still are a very important part of our lives. We love you.❤
Mary Beth Klock Pérez
December 24, 2020
We miss you Steve. I wonder what kind of mischief and funny moments you are creating in heaven..
Mary Seibert
December 24, 2020
We Love you Dr. Popko.
Love, The Seibert Family❤
Joyce DeLapp-Menhennett
December 23, 2020
What a wonderful counselor & friend you were to me. I feel privileged to have known you & to have had you help me through many troubled times. To the Popko family: Dr Popko will always hold a special place in my heart as someone who was kind, willing to listen & support me. Hugs to each of the family.
Mary Beth Klock Perez
October 17, 2020
We love you Steve!!! I have no one to steal Pepperage Farm Apricot cookies from..
I miss your subtle snarky commmentaries with that innocent facial expression . ☺
Mary
October 16, 2020
Miss talking with you Dr. Popko. You listened to so many and helped them with their lives. I’m sure you are still helping others.
Much love to you. Always in my prayers.
Marilyn
October 15, 2020
Happy Birthday to The Love of My Life! Even though you are with me always, I miss you terribly.
Marilyn Klock Popko
December 24, 2019
How did I miss the date? I was so sure I had already written something. You are missed. A hole exists in my soul that no one or no thing can fill. We talk about you all the time: Papa Bear.
To the people who are writing these kind things ~ thank you. Those thoughts make me and the kids feel a little better. He is remembered by others as well.
He was a good soul, wasn't he? We miss him horribly but feel blessed to have had the time we did with him.
Mary
December 24, 2019
A wonderful man who helped so many. Still helping us
when we stop and listen. Much love
Joyce DeLapp-Menhennett
December 23, 2019
I still think of you & how much you helped me through troublesome times. You were my security blanket & friend & comfort. I knew I could call you, come in for a visit & you would quietly & calmly listen & help me. Teresa & I were talking a while back & she asked: "do you remember what Dr Popko told me?" You were right. She's married & living in Ma & very, very happy. I love my son-in-law like a son & couldn't have asked for more or better for her. You'll always remain in my heart as my counselor & friend.
Pat Parker
August 4, 2019
Marilyn reminded me yesterday that it was your wedding Anniversary
She, Katherine, Sharon and Yanella as well as all of us, miss you and remember you with love!
You are always in our hearts !
October 16, 2018
You have found a way to stay in our thoughts and hearts! You are missed!
October 13, 2018
Happy early birthday daddy. I love you so very much and I think about you every day. I miss you and wish you the best birthday. I hope wherever you may be that you are causing mischief and keeping others on their toes. :)))))
Love,
Your Tulip
Marilyn Klock Popko
August 3, 2018
Happy anniversary to the Love of my Life. I am sorry you died before I learned a lot of things that would have made you happier and feel more loved. Your kids are doing well and as usual Yanela continues to succeed in everything she tries. Soon I will have an empty nest. I enjoyed my time with the kids and I wonder what good and bad things I will feel. We gave them roots. They gave themselves wings. I love you now and always.
Mable
Mary Seibert
October 14, 2017
I pray to Dr.Popko everyday every night. He is one of few people I pray to that have crossed over. These people were so significant to me.I know you hear my prayers Dr.Popko. I will forever be thankful you helped me out for 10 years.I miss you,my husband misses you. We love you so much. Happy Belated Birthday!
Pat Parker
October 13, 2017
Marilyn reminded us it would be your birthday
You will always be in our hearts!
Mabel Mcguillicutty aka Marilyn Klock Popko
August 3, 2017
Would have been 38 roses today. I still miss you every day. I wonder if I'm never supposed to feel as happy again as I did with you. And now you have Susan and Shelly and Sergio and Pat Lavin with you. In time I will have more of the people I love over there than over here. Except for Catherine and Yanela and Sharen, I would choose to join you now.
Marilyn Klock Popko
August 4, 2016
How could I have missed yesterday? Would have been our 37th Anniversary. We should have spent it together. Cor ad cor Loquitor. I think about you every day. I talk about you every day. I feel sorry for the patients you never saw. I feel worse for the ones you did see and who lost you, too. I see a few still. I feel the holes you would have filled. I wish you were still here. I did not expect to celebrate my 65th without you. I'm still trying to figure out how to reconfigure my life without you.
Love Forever,
Mabel McGuillicutty
Marilyn Klock Popko
December 22, 2015
Honey ~
Five years. You've been gone 5 years today. I'm having a harder time than usual with your absence lately. Perhaps because Eliot is gone now, too. As Yanela said, a death re-ignites previous losses. Catherine, Yanela, and Sharen talk about you a lot, and all three terribly miss your "talks". They talk to me, but anyone who has garnered your full attention knows that nobody else made a person feel heard and "held" like you did.
Wish I could get you back.
Mabel
Marilyn Klock Popko
August 3, 2015
Happy Anniversary, My Love. I will always remember you. I will always miss you. I will always love you.
On your birthday we release balloons. On our Anniversary: I release memories. Maybe one balloon? Blue.
Mabel
Pat and Joe Parker
October 16, 2014
Steve you live in our hearts and minds...
You left a legacy from your work and your relationships with others and your family and friends Even though you are timeless now we still celebrate Your birth here so Happy Birhday Week Steve!
We know you are doing great things !
October 15, 2014
"Cor Ad Cor Loquitur". Heart speaks to heart.
Mary Beth Klock- Perez
October 15, 2014
HAPPY B-DAY STEVEY!!!
You and your suble, sarcastic "antics" are sorely missed down here...
I miss how you and I always had our non verbal acknowledgement of "social critques" and hysterical moments -that only you and i noticed... LOL!!!
You have always been so damn NAUGHTY!!!
Which of course is why we understood each other so effortlessly... :) :)
I am sure you are stirring the pot up there with the best of them...
Until we meet again..
"Keep up the good work"...
Missing you here...
Baloons are flying for you!
Mary Beth
Marilyn Klock Popko
October 15, 2014
My life has been charmed since I met you. Perhaps you are still around, because I am still charmed. You will always be alive in my heart and my mind. I saw the world through your eyes as well as my own and what a fascinating world that is. You made me a better person, and I think we made each other better therapists. You should see the reports your "student", Joan writes now. She grasped your strengths and has gone beyond You would be proud. Perhaps you are.
I grieve for Catherine, Isabella, Sharen, Yanella, and Priscilla who did not get 32 years with you. Sergio is with you now so I need not grieve for him. They miss being able to have their "talks" with you when the inevitable confusions and hurts of life come up. So do I. I still find myself thinking, "I'm going to ask Steve about that".
I grieve for your special friends and your patients who you loved and with whom you shared yourself. They brought you much happiness and you brought the same to them, I am sure. I trust they carry you inside of their minds and hearts as I do.
Happy Birthday my friend, my lover, my "Rock". I cherish the time we had and carry it with me always. I find comfort in knowing that you are not in pain.
Love,
Mabel
Steve, Jason, Michele, Catherine, and Tammy! Rolling down the Mississippi!!!
Tamarra Roberts
October 17, 2013
Disney with Steve, Catherine, Michele, And Tammy!!!
Tamarra Roberts
October 17, 2013
Virginia and Laurence Ruggiero
October 16, 2013
I never met Dr. Popko, but I know his wife and daughter and so many others who love and miss him. He is a part of many lives and will be always. We send our sympathy.
Marilyn Klock Popko
October 15, 2013
I'm feeling particularly sad today. Usually I celebrate your birthday with friends, family, and gin and tonic with lime. We release balloons into the night. I've got the balloons, tonic and limes in the car. Don't have the heart to bring them in. Yanela will be home later and will do it, probably without being asked. Thank God for that girl. She takes very good care of me and causes me to feel safer and less alone. I'm still grateful for the 32 years you and I got. Seems most people have trouble getting five. I envy my parents, excellent models of love and commitment. I envy all those extra years. I hope they get many more. I hope my nieces and nephews learn from them the value of sticking it out through the rough patches. Marriage is a long term investment. The payoff is truly priceless, even well worth the pain of loss. I have enough warm, fuzzy, funny, romantic and exciting memories to last me if I live to 110. I wish I could bring you back for another 32 years. But without you being in pain. Aunt Pat says you're happy. You earned it, Honeyness.
Love,
Mabel McGuillicutty
Marilyn Klock Popko
October 31, 2012
I miss you, Stephen J. I feel your presence and it warms me, but still I miss you. My life has felt charmed since I met you. I have seen the world through two sets of eyes and it has been amazing. I believe that we are two of the luckiest people to have ever lived because of our 32 years sharing all of life's experiences and feelings together. Even death has not separated us really. We just bicker less.
October 31, 2012
January 09, 2011
I have known Steve literally for my entire adult life – over 48 years. We met in our freshman year of college and were roommates. We were separated after college when I went into the Army although Steve was there when I was commissioned a second lieutenant. He was there when I returned from Vietnam, was there when my son Michael was born and was there for several promotions.
When I was assigned to New Jersey in the early 70s we saw a lot of each other. At that time he was a Social Worker for the State of New Jersey before he moved to Florida and got his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He was over for dinner all the time. We could talk about anything – in those days mostly over a gin and bitter orange or gin and tonic. He, my wife and I would be at the kitchen table talking and laughing late into the evening. We shared everything until time and distance began to get the best of us. Even then we spoke frequently.
And he visited. He visited us in Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, and Germany. He never made it to Korea or Belgium, which he always regretted. My children distinctly remember Steve's visits, particularly in the early days. My oldest daughter sent me a note reminiscing about Steve and with regard to his visits she said:
“We kids were always in complete awe that this man would travel in blue jeans- imagine, blue jeans in a age when people would get ‘dressed up' to fly on a commercial jet. There we were waiting for the airplane to pull up to the gate (those were the days when we could collect our visitor at the gate… imagine that) and Steve was always one of the first passengers to disembark, so we figure he was some sort of VIP who was always seated at the front of the plane. [And this was a notion that Steve actively encouraged]. And there he would come, off the plane in blue jeans, light-colored sneakers (of the Ked sort), a tee shirt and dark sunglasses [which also fed the VIP impression]. We were stunned, this cool man looking the way he did! And Steve never came empty handed – always something for Mom and something for us kids. He was always generous and had a big, big heart. He loved us all.”
The other thing my children all commented on was the fact that Steve treated them as adults.
Again, from my daughter's note to me:
“He always made the four Brohm kids feel like special ‘adults' – I never felt like a child around Steve; rather, he seemed to always converse with us on some kind of grown-up level. He was matter-of-fact in his dialogue, and always, always laced with good humor, humor even us little kids understood and appreciated. He had the most distinctive speech and laugh, and a look with those piercing blue eyes that was along the lines of ‘inquiring minds want to know….” He loved to ask us questions, loved to hear our answers and loved to talk with us, and we in turn, loved to talk with Steve.”
I believe these qualities were what made him an exceptional clinical psychologist.
Steve was a series of contradictions. He loved and was fascinated by the military and the discipline that the military represents but he didn't like authority unless he was the authority. He was a gentile soul but with very strongly held convictions. He could be acidic with those he thought were interfering with either his patients or family. He loved his work and he loved his family.
He was proud of being a doctor of psychology and a psychopharmacologist and rightly so. He worked hard and was exceptional in his field. But work was obviously not enough for him. In spite of the happy, carefree and cool image he presented to my children, my impression for all those years prior to 1979 was that Steve was a bit of a lost soul. We used to talk about it. He definitely knew that there was something missing in his life, something that he wanted very much. And then he met Marilyn. He was the happiest I had ever seen him when they got married. That is, the happiest I had seen him until Catherine came along. That is, the happiest I had seen him until Isabella came along. He recently told me that with his grand daughter here he could die happy. He loved his wife, adored his daughter and was ecstatic about his grand daughter.
Steve was my oldest and dearest friend and I will miss him very much. He will always be in my heart. He will always be a part of my family.
At the end, the only real measure of a life is how well we loved and how well we were loved in return. Steve loved well and truly and was well and truly loved in return.
— Jerry Brohm, Severna Park, Maryland
Pat, Joe, Christen + David Parker
October 13, 2012
Monday the 15th we celebrate your birth and life and the peace you are now ... You remain in our hearts
Miriam Bonich
May 17, 2011
I met Dr. Popko and Marilyn over 10 years ago at the dental office I work at. He was always very kind and soft spoken and always had something interesting to say. My thoughts and prayers are with you Marilyn and Catherine. May God Bless you and guide through this difficult time.
Mary Seibert
February 16, 2011
Dr. Popko is a Beautiful Soul. He is loved much by the Seibert Family.His life was spent helping others. He made friends along the way that felt like he was family. He will be missed but know that he is with all in Spirit.
God Bless you Dr. Stephen Joseph Popko
Love you always.
The Seibert Family
January 9, 2011
Marilyn and Catherine,
Judy and I are sadden to learn of Steve's passing. Steve was a good friend of ours, and colleague of mine from our days in child protective services in the mid-'70's in Toms River, NJ. Though we did visit with Steve in his early years in Fla., it is a shame that we let time and distance come between us. But, I believe I can speak for many who worked with Steve in New Jersey, that he was never forgotten, and will continue to be remember as an integral part of our past.
Nelson and Judy Amey, Seaville, NewJersey
Jerry Brohm
January 9, 2011
I have known Steve literally for my entire adult life – over 48 years. We met in our freshman year of college and were roommates. We were separated after college when I went into the Army although Steve was there when I was commissioned a second lieutenant. He was there when I returned from Vietnam, was there when my son Michael was born and was there for several promotions.
When I was assigned to New Jersey in the early 70s we saw a lot of each other. At that time he was a Social Worker for the State of New Jersey before he moved to Florida and got his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He was over for dinner all the time. We could talk about anything – in those days mostly over a gin and bitter orange or gin and tonic. He, my wife and I would be at the kitchen table talking and laughing late into the evening. We shared everything until time and distance began to get the best of us. Even then we spoke frequently.
And he visited. He visited us in Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, and Germany. He never made it to Korea or Belgium, which he always regretted. My children distinctly remember Steve’s visits, particularly in the early days. My oldest daughter sent me a note reminiscing about Steve and with regard to his visits she said:
“We kids were always in complete awe that this man would travel in blue jeans- imagine, blue jeans in a age when people would get ‘dressed up’ to fly on a commercial jet. There we were waiting for the airplane to pull up to the gate (those were the days when we could collect our visitor at the gate… imagine that) and Steve was always one of the first passengers to disembark, so we figure he was some sort of VIP who was always seated at the front of the plane. [And this was a notion that Steve actively encouraged]. And there he would come, off the plane in blue jeans, light-colored sneakers (of the Ked sort), a tee shirt and dark sunglasses [which also fed the VIP impression]. We were stunned, this cool man looking the way he did! And Steve never came empty handed – always something for Mom and something for us kids. He was always generous and had a big, big heart. He loved us all.”
The other thing my children all commented on was the fact that Steve treated them as adults.
Again, from my daughter’s note to me:
“He always made the four Brohm kids feel like special ‘adults’ – I never felt like a child around Steve; rather, he seemed to always converse with us on some kind of grown-up level. He was matter-of-fact in his dialogue, and always, always laced with good humor, humor even us little kids understood and appreciated. He had the most distinctive speech and laugh, and a look with those piercing blue eyes that was along the lines of ‘inquiring minds want to know….” He loved to ask us questions, loved to hear our answers and loved to talk with us, and we in turn, loved to talk with Steve.”
I believe these qualities were what made him an exceptional clinical psychologist.
Steve was a series of contradictions. He loved and was fascinated by the military and the discipline that the military represents but he didn’t like authority unless he was the authority. He was a gentile soul but with very strongly held convictions. He could be acidic with those he thought were interfering with either his patients or family. He loved his work and he loved his family.
He was proud of being a doctor of psychology and a psychopharmacologist and rightly so. He worked hard and was exceptional in his field. But work was obviously not enough for him. In spite of the happy, carefree and cool image he presented to my children, my impression for all those years prior to 1979 was that Steve was a bit of a lost soul. We used to talk about it. He definitely knew that there was something missing in his life, something that he wanted very much. And then he met Marilyn. He was the happiest I had ever seen him when they got married. That is, the happiest I had seen him until Catherine came along. That is, the happiest I had seen him until Isabella came along. He recently told me that with his grand daughter here he could die happy. He loved his wife, adored his daughter and was ecstatic about his grand daughter.
Steve was my oldest and dearest friend and I will miss him very much. He will always be in my heart. He will always be a part of my family.
At the end, the only real measure of a life is how well we loved and how well we were loved in return. Steve loved well and truly and was well and truly loved in return.
Pat and Joe Parker
January 9, 2011
Dear Steve, today we celebrated your life at Epiphany Church with your wife Marilyn, your daughter Catherine and your granddaughter Isabella, as well as your "bonus children" Sharon, Yanella, and Percilla (you also help raise Sergio who died representing our Country).
We, your extended family and many of your friends joined together in the Celebration of Mass (which you loved so dearly) Celebrated by Monsignor, your good friend and co-celebrated by your life long friend Antony. The music was beautiful and so were the readings. You were remembered for your love, compassion, sense of humor and your skills as a psychotherapist, Dad and mentor, as well as loved husband, father, relative and friend.
Rest now ... job well done! You live on in the hearts of those who knew you! You will be missed!
Joyce DeLpp-Menhennett
January 7, 2011
Someone said they went to see a doctor & found a friend. Those are my sentiments exactly. Over the years both I & my family came to love Dr Popko & knew that should we need him he was just a phone call away. What an extraodinary man. He'll be missed but we also know we'll meet again when God calls us to our Heavenly home. God bless you Marilyn, your daughter & all the family. I'll always remember him & hold a special place in my heart for the memories.
russell
January 7, 2011
he was a really important friend ever since i was 14. always listened. im going to miss having him. im sure we all will.
January 6, 2011
Although I haven't seen Stephen in many years, I considered him a very dear friend. We went to school together over 40 yers ago and he was present at my priestly ordination. I officiated at his wedding to Marilyn with Fr.Anthony Borka. I will always remember that day. It was August and Florida was hot. When I got off the plane from NJ,I remembered thinking - "how can you endure this heat?" When I retired from my parish in NJ, where did I locate - Florida!
Stephen was a wonderful friend. I shall always remember our great times togther and all the laughs. He's in Heaven and at peace and enjoying every minute of it.
Marilyn and Catherine - may your hearts be at peace.
Love, Fr. Henry Hemmerling,
Spring Hill, Florida
Debbie Harmon
January 6, 2011
What a wonderful man Dr. Popko was. He was the one that held my family together. I will miss him dearly. Especially he's little greeting of "Hello, Sergeant Harmon. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Dallas Holder
January 6, 2011
Dr.Popko I love you and you will always be remembered.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dallas Holder and Family
Kathy & "Bear" Hoffman
January 6, 2011
Dear Marilyn and Catherine,
At this time, I feel the best I can offer is a portion of verse by Linda Elrod that helps me.
Hold Us Up, Lord
Lord, we know You're always busy,
For You've many things to do,
But when sorrow overcomes us,
Well, we need to talk to You,
For we've lost someone PRECIOUS,
And they're with You there above,
And it's someone that we NEEDED,
And it's someone that we LOVED,
We are feeling lost and all alone,
And though we do BELIEVE,
We need YOU LORD, to hold us up,
To help us while we grieve.
With love and a sense of shared loss,
Kathy L. Hoffman and "Bear"
Leon Schiller
January 5, 2011
It was always a pleasure seeing Stephen when he came into the salon. We always had nice conversations and I truly enjoyed his company for as many years as I can remember. He will be missed. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.
My condolences,
Leon Schiller
Kathy Klock
January 5, 2011
Kathy Klock
January 5, 2011
Merri Schmidt
January 4, 2011
Marilyn and Catherine.
Dr. Popko was a great person with a big heart. We are truly sorry for your loss. May the love of friends and family be a source of comfort to you both. Our hearts go out to you. Merri, Keith & Stacey
Merri Schmidt
January 4, 2011
What a lovely Man Dr. Popko was. He and Marilyn must have the biggest hearts in Florida. He will be truly missed. May the love of friends and family be a source of comfort to you Merri, Keith &Stacey
Virginia and Larry Ruggiero
January 3, 2011
Sending love and sympathy. We did not know Dr. Popko well, but know that he was one of the most fortunate of men with his marriage and their daughter. Dr. Popko even got to meet his magnificent granddaughter. Our condolences to all of his family.
Betsy and Hank Knoblock
January 3, 2011
Sending thoughts of peace and strength to ease your sorrow. May your wonderful memories with Steve lift your spirit.
Antony Strother- Larry
December 30, 2010
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I didn't have the priviledge of meeting Dr. Popko but by knowing his wonderful daughter
Alan Smith
December 29, 2010
I went to see a doctor--and met a
friend who will be forever missed.
Smitty
Stephen, me, and his grand baby, Isabella
catherine Popko
December 29, 2010
Daddykins, i love you and miss you dearly. You're cupcake loves you and misses you too!!! <3, Tulip
Eleanor Miller
December 29, 2010
Stephen Popko was an extarordinary psychologist. His depth of knowledge of the mind and human behavior; his love, understanding and acceptance of our strengths and frailties; his insights, sense of humor, openness -- are irreplaceable.
My heart and condolences to his immediate family and also to that wide other family he created through his professional talents and generous heart. He will live in our hearts and minds and be missed forever.
Love, Eleanor Miller
Nancy Sue Swearingen
December 29, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Julie Garcia
December 29, 2010
Dear Marilyn and Catherine,
Offering you prayers and love during this difficult time of loss. Dr. Stephen Popko was an inspiration to me at Epiphany Catholic church.
With love,
Julie Garcia and Family
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