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Peter Popovich Obituary

PETER POPOVICH Peter M. Popovich, 57, passed away Sept. 25, 2010. He was born Feb. 22, 1953, to Pete and Audrey (Schleimer) Popovich in Cleveland. Aug. 30, 1982, Peter married Michele Pietro at Lake Tahoe. Peter currently was a swing shift cardroom manager at The Bellagio, where he has worked the past 10 years. Peter is survived by his wife, Michele; children, Danielle Hackney, Nicholas, and Matthew and Marisa Popovich; brother, James Popovich; six grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Connie Murphy Popovich. Memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the American Heart Association or to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal from Sep. 27 to Sep. 29, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Popovich

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June 22, 2011

Just a note to let you know that you are not forgotten. R I P Pete.

Todd Brunson

October 16, 2010

Pete was a long time friend of mine. He was by far the most competent, smartest and friendliest employee the Bellagio poker room ever had. Possibly the whole Bellagio for that matter. Any time someone called for a decision I hoped it was Pete who came to make it. Not because he was my friend (He ruled against me once against a guy we both disliked. Probably the only mistake I ever saw him make on the floor) but because he had common sense and knew poker.
The poker world took a serious loss with his passing. My heart goes out to his wife, Michelle, his kids
Danielle, Nick, Matthew, and Marisa as well as his six Grand Kids . He will be greatly missed by all!
For years Pete and I bet baseball together. We spent as much as twelve hours a day, seven days a week, betting on and watching games everyday for months at a time. It never got boring with Pete around. His stories of his old bar 'The Colony' and his old life in Cleveland were never ending and funny as heck.

Todd Brunson

October 16, 2010

Pete was a long time friend of mine. He was by far the most competent, smartest and friendliest employee the Bellagio poker room ever had. Possibly the whole Bellagio for that matter. Any time someone called for a decision I hoped it was Pete who came to make it. Not because he was my friend (He ruled against me once against a guy we both disliked. Probably the only mistake I ever saw him make on the floor) but because he had common sense and knew poker.
The poker world took a serious loss with his passing. My heart goes out to his wife, Michelle, and his kids and grand kids. He will be greatly missed by all!

October 13, 2010

Michelle and Family: Danny and I are so sorry to hear of Pete's passing. Our thoughts our with you.

Danny and DeeDee Paquette

Larry Roper

October 7, 2010

my condolences to the family. I met and became friends with Pete when we were freshmen at Heidelberg College. During our time in school and as track and field teammates we got to be very close - sharing lots of fun times and much laughter together. I was always struck by how smart and insightful Pete was. He had a wicked sense of humor and wonderful ability to laugh at himself. His flair for storytelling would keep me in stitches. I will always carry memories of the friendhip we shared. Pete was a great man.

Mike Minetti

October 7, 2010

There are just not that many all-around good guys in the poker industry. Pete was honest, fair-minded, humorous, kind, thoughtful, loyal, and most of all caring. He treated people with respect. My heart goes out to Danielle and all of his family and friends. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Cindy Daugherty

October 4, 2010

Michele, Danielle, Nick, Matthew, and Marisa, I am so sorry to hear about Pete, I'm sure he was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather....as I know he was the greatest boss that I will ever have. Kind and gentle are just two words that come to mind when I think of Pete. I speak about him often because every memory I have of him brings a smile to my face. He made working at the Colony so much fun. He has touched so many lives. I am sure you are all so proud to be his family. God bless you, I will always keep you in my thoughts.

Jack Keefe

October 4, 2010

Michele,

I am truly sorry for your loss. I knew Pete since I was 10 years old and he was always one of my favorite friends. I just found out today or I would have made it to the services, since I live in Phoenix Arizona. I use to see Pete once a year at the Bellagio. I spend some time with him in May at his Casino. We were laughing about all the nuts we grew up with and what a wonderful life we were having. Pete was truly blessed and deserves the best in the next life.

A true friend,

Jack Keefe

Wendy Kinkopf

October 3, 2010

Michelle,
Your family are in my thoughts and prayers! Back in 1988 Pete was the Best Man in my wedding and that he was a BEST MAN!!! What wonderful memories I have of Pete and Michelle and Gorden (the dog)and there children.He will be truly missed.

Nora & Gene (Auntie El) Svatek

October 2, 2010

The Popovich Family:

We are so very sorry about Pete.

We hope these words help a little...

Hold fast to your memories, to all of the cherished moments of the past, to the blessings and the laughter, the joys and the celebrations, the sorrow and the tears. They all add up to a treasure of fond yesterdays that you shared and spent together, and they keep the one you loved close to you in spirit and thought.

The special moments and memories in your life will never change. They will always be in your heart, today and forevermore.

With deepest sympathy.

Love,

Cousins Nora & Gene Svatek
Auntie El

Paul Henderlite

October 1, 2010

To my cool cousin Pete, who looked out for us during our visits to Celeveland. He always had the time for us little guys. My biggest regret is that we didn't get to spend more time together living so far apart.

Our condolences to the Popovich family.

Love, Paul Henderlite

michael cardinale

October 1, 2010

Michele: I am so truly sorry. I just found out today- I would have been there had I have known. God bless you and your children. My heart goes out to you. You will be in my prayers and my thoughts. Pete was truly a good man and a stand up guy. I am so truly sorry. If there is anything you need, don't hestitate to email me at: [email protected].

Your friend always Michael.

tim tran

September 30, 2010

I am so sorry .He was the best boss i ever have.He not only the boss he can be a friend and family. missed you pete

Sandy Popovich Riley

September 30, 2010

Michelle and Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I haven't seen Peter Michael since I was a little girl, but from all I've heard and read I missed a truely great man.
Again, my condolences

Sandy Popovich Riley

September 30, 2010

Dear Michelle and familey,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I haven't seen Peter Michael since I was a little girl, and from all I've heard and read I missed a truely great man. Again, I can't say how sorry I am.

A Friend From the Colony

September 30, 2010

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010

Tim McDonald

September 30, 2010

I went to Heidelberg with Pete back in the old days and have great memories of being on the track team with him. He was a great guy, outstanding sense of humor, and didn't take himself too seriously. Very good shot put man too! From what I've read on this website he was still a great guy. He'll definitely be missed.

Robin Pretzer

September 30, 2010

My husband and I went to Heidelberg College with Pete.He was such a wonderful,funny guy and we had many great times with him...We are so sorry for his family's loss.

Chip and Karina Jett

September 29, 2010

Michele,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We cant express how much we share your sorrow. Memories of Pete will be held close to our hearts forever. He was the best.

perry & chong torchio

September 29, 2010

To All The Popovich Family.pete was a great boss. you could have asked for.one of a kind. we will miss him very much.

September 29, 2010

Sweet Pete - The Oasis
Pete was the champion to every employee. Pete was the champion to every customer.
Some of the words used in reference to him are: professional, strength, integrity, poise, selfless and respect.
Yes, someone will take Pete's space at work. Nobody can take his place.
Sweet Pete - A Unique Man.
Anonymous

Suzy Bourne

September 29, 2010

Pete was the best one could have as a boss working for the Bellagio. Never shaken, always super nice, a great sense of humor when it was called for. He was my fondest memory of working swing shift. All who knew him will be mourned by a man of such great character and most of all a good family man. I am very sorry Michelle and feel your pain. God Bless you Pete!

Tootsie and Geno Ermenio

September 28, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Popovich Family. Pete was the consumate Poker representative for Bellagio and treated all who he delt with, with kindness,understanding and a friendly smile. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. May God help his family through this most difficult and trying time.

Gail Waldman

September 28, 2010

Michele...I am so sorry to hear of Pete's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

SUE SCHIKOWSKI

September 28, 2010

To All The Popovich Family~our most sincere condolences to all of you. May all your memories hold deep in your hearts today and forever. Hopefully this will someone help to get through this very difficult time. God Bless All of You. He will be greatly missed. Love, Pat,Sue,Danny,Scott,Kayla,Tim,Amber and Aubrey Schikowksi xox

Annie Lembach

September 28, 2010

Dear Michele and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Pete was the best. He was such a special person that will always remain in my heart & in my thoughts. He was not only thought of as family, but as a true friend. You and the kids will also be in my thoughts and prayers. Love always, Annie (Rose Montali's sister)

the best of the best...

danielle

September 28, 2010

I could not have a had a better dad.no matter what we did as kids u never yelled at us...u ALWAYS made mom do it.that good cop bad cop thing always worked in your favor!! I have no idea how to do this or what I'm supposed to do next.I'm not sure what hurts more my own pain of losing u or watching your beautiful granddaughters pain.they lost not only there papa but there best friend.I love u dad I probably should have said that more often but I know u knew...our lives will forever be changed.our lives will never be the same without u....daddy I love u

Marty Lembach

September 28, 2010

Michelle and family -You are in our thoughts and prayers.It has been many years since we have seen you here in Cleveland but you guys always come up in conversation at family gatherings. Pete and Greg were "two of a kind" and now both have moved on to a better place. Pete will be missed by all, including the Lembach/Montali clan.

Bob and Cathy Harrison

September 28, 2010

Michele, we are so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Marcia Romano

September 28, 2010

Michele and all of Pete's family, Everyone at Bellagio will miss Pete immensely. He was just the best at everything. He was more a friend than a boss.

Darlene

September 28, 2010

Michele,
I'm very sorry for your loss--even though I just met him at Kim's wake I could tell he was a great man--Please take care--Darlene (Joe's friend and former Blvd employee)

Sandy Pinzarroni

September 28, 2010

Michele and Family,My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.I know he will be truely missed.

l martin

September 28, 2010

worked with pete at the bellagio never a bad word against him and we will all miss him heaven is a lucky place!condolences to his family he was loved very much by everyone

Kris Unetich

September 28, 2010

Michele and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Pete was a wonderful man who loved all of you deeply. Remember him as his was in life... A husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Kris, Bill, Richard & Danielle

September 28, 2010

I knew Pete when he first started at the Mirage. He was a very nice guy and I cannot ever remember him not smiling...He wil be missed

Christopher Jones

September 28, 2010

U will be missed buddy!!! U were an awesome person!!!

Gregg Hawley

September 27, 2010

Couldn't believe it. All the Shuffle Master techs who knew him give the family our condolences.

Brian Quinn

September 27, 2010

Michele and family - the Colony crew that Pete groomed and natured will forever be in debt to the one and only "Big Boy". He was one of a kind and will be missed by all.

Deby Callihan

September 27, 2010

I am saddened by the sudden loss of my friend, and fellow shift manager, Pete Popovich. To his family my heart goes out. To his friends and fellow co-workers I share in your grief. I am going to miss our chats and humorus exchanges. At the end of my day I will miss handing the keys to my friend Pete...a true gentleman.

Maria-Jo Sharkey

September 27, 2010

Thanks for being so kind...I will miss you. Love from Maria-Jo

LESLIE SCHINDLER

September 27, 2010

Pete you will ne missed by everyone that had the pleasure of meeting you.You were always there for anyone that needed you It was a pleasure to work with you.our condolences to your family we will miss your smile.i remember when i first started there how welcome you made me feel.Whenever my mother would come in to play you always made her feel welcome,Love from ,Leslie,and Marilyn Schindler

marcy coppock

September 27, 2010

My condolences go out to his family, I worked with Pete for 12 years he was a totally awesome and caring person, never had a bad word to say about anyone,Pete was a very loved person by all that knew him he will be greatly missed. I am so sorry for you loss. my thoughts are with you.

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