Harold C. Poppe

Harold Charles Poppe, 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025, from complications related to heart failure. Born in Mineola, NY, on June 4, 1938, Harry, as he was known by those closest to him, came from humble beginnings. He was adopted as a toddler. His mother, Helen Dewar Poppe, worked at Freeport Hospital on Long Island as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She was an affectionate, hard-working caregiver who was unwavering in her devotion to family. These were traits Harold carried with him throughout his own life.
A talented young man, Harold followed interests in art and woodworking. He served as a member of the cheering squad at Freeport High School. He held numerous jobs, including warehouse work and, as early as age 11, newspaper delivery. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Military Police during his seven-year Reserves obligation.
At the advice of a mentor, he studied and took a position with Allstate Insurance as its youngest-ever sales representative. He remained with Allstate for 38 years, ultimately retiring as one of its two top agents on Long Island.
Harold met C. Suzanne Smith, known as Sue, at a mixer at the College of New Rochelle. They married in 1964. They resided in Freeport until moving to Centerport, L.I., where they raised four children. Harold was deeply involved in his community, giving his time generously to his neighbors, to the Northwest Civic Association of Freeport, and to both the Northport-Centerport Lions Club and the Active A's Model A Society, of which he served as a board member and president.
He had a knack for organizing family adventures-whether captaining "Our Tern," the family's beloved Kittiwake sailboat, or navigating cross-country camping trips in the family's legendary Country Squire station wagon, complete with a homemade rooftop luggage box.
Upon retiring, Harold and Sue relocated to Downingtown, PA. There they began the restoration of a 225-year old Queen Anne-style Victorian carriage house on the historic property of their eldest son, Chris. They called the carriage house "home" for another 20 years, surrounded by family and fond memories.
Harold is survived by his wife Sue; his children, Christopher (m. Christine), Diane (m. George Ryan), Brian (m. Suzann), and Carolyn (m. James Micheels); six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Harold will be remembered most for his clever sense of humor, his uncanny ability to follow three conversations at once, and above all, his generous and selfless spirit. His legacy of love, laughter, and quiet strength lives on in all who knew him.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 332 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335. Visitation will be from 9:45 - 10:45 AM prior to mass at the church. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Harold's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.