Richard Popovic

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Richard Charles Popovic, affectionately known as Ich, on March 19, 2025 in Katy, Texas. He was 53 years old.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in Crescent Township, Rich graduated from Moon Area High School before earning his degrees from Johnson & Wales University. A gifted chef, mentor, and educator, Rich built a career that spanned restaurants, hospitality, and public education-each chapter defined by his belief in hard work, kindness, and connection.

Rich's career began in the restaurant industry, where he served as Chef and Manager for Bravo Brio Restaurant Group and later as Assistant Food & Beverage Director with ClubCorp. He eventually became the Food and Beverage Director at The Woodlands Country Club, where his attention to detail and calm leadership style made him a standout.

His passion for mentorship led him into culinary education, beginning as Academic Affairs Manager at the Culinary Institute Lenotre. He served as Executive Chef for Aldine ISD and Chef Instructor at the James Reese Career Training Center, helping build programs from the ground up. Rich went on to teach Culinary Arts at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and part-time at Houston Community College Foundation, also becoming an Instructor and Examination Proctor for ServSafe.

Most recently, Rich taught at Jersey Village High School in Houston. Known affectionately by his students as "Chef Rich," he was more than a teacher-he was a mentor, guide, and champion for every student who entered his classroom. Students remembered his encouragement, calm presence, and the way he saw potential, even in those who weren't looking for it. One student wrote, "He gave me my passion to be a chef. He definitely changed my life." Another said, "His classroom felt like family."

His colleagues remember him as a natural leader who could see trouble before it started and move pieces to keep everything running smoothly. "He created a calm around him," one friend wrote. "He never shied away from hard work, rolled up his sleeves, and lifted everyone around him." He was the kind of boss people dressed up as for Halloween-because he made that much of an impression.

Rich was known for his unwavering belief in inclusion, equality, and authenticity. "He lived his truth," one friend said, with humor, humility, and heart. His charisma connected him with everyone he met-whether it was a colleague, student, or stranger. "He stood for something bigger than himself," one friend shared. "The world needs more people like him."

Outside the classroom and kitchen, Rich was an adventurer. He loved mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. He played guitar, wrote songs, and enjoyed cooking nights and good conversations. He adored his dog, Shady, and those closest to him knew him as someone who brought peace into their lives. "Love them for what they are," he would often say. "Don't be mad at them for what they aren't."

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Richard Popovich and Judy Reed. He is survived by his fiancée, Xochitl Rodriguez; his stepfather, Russ Reed; his brothers, Kevin Popovic and Christopher Popovic; and by countless friends, students, colleagues, and family whose lives he changed forever.

Celebrations of life will be held in Houston, TX, and Pittsburgh, PA. In place of flowers, donations may be made in Rich's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, a cause close to his heart, by visiting http://support.woundedwarriorproject.org

To know Rich was to feel supported, understood, and inspired. His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but his impact will echo for generations. Please raise a glass to him and share the story of a loving brother, an exquisite professional, a committed educator, and a phenomenal human being.