BORN
1961
DIED
2020
JAY POPKY Obituary
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People and places connected with JAY
Joe Maslanka
January 9, 2021
I am just learning of this. Jay was in the first band either of us had played in. I will cherish practicing in his living room and his Mom laying out cold cuts, hospitality and encouragement, a trait that was passed on and found in Jay. He was a great friend and awesome musician. Couple years ago we found each other on LinkedIn and got together a few times to go out to dinner and jam. God, I am so sorry he is gone, but blessed that I got to spend time with him. Our blessings and prayers to the Popky Family, Jay was one of those guys that makes you a better person to have known.
Alan Sigman
March 26, 2020
A mutual friend introduced us on the Phila Folk Fest campgrounds about 20 years ago. From that first night we jammed together under the stars, we connected musically and immediately became friends. A few years later when my camping partner stopped coming to Fest, Jay invited me to share his tent, and we had camped together every year since. We later formed a band and played many gigs, most of which he secured for the band, handled the business side of things, and provided and worked the PA, and even insisted I sleep over at his house rather than do the long drive home afterwards. One of the kindest souls I know. Always welcoming to any and all musicians in a jam circle. Always positive even in the face of his health struggles. I am grateful for all the time I got to spend with him and all the music we made together.
Jim & Reenie Hobson
March 21, 2020
Jay as a musician, such talent & versatility, across all genres. Jay as a person, such a kind, giving, open, pure heart & soul. Always there to invite, teach, jam, and take a chance with less experienced musicians. I (Jim) am truly honored that his open mind & heart allowed me to play (& learn) a few gigs with them - plus lots of jams @ PFF & elsewhere! I (Reen) only knew him through Jim, but loved the bands expert musicianship, diverse playlists, beautiful vocals. And Jays smile that said welcome every time you interacted with him - we will miss that most. Wishing peace & comfort for all the Popkys.
J -C and KATH Obendorfer/ OHara
March 19, 2020
I'll always remember the late night jams at fest. You were a good friend and teacher. You made people feel comfortable to come out and play. Just wish we could of done it one more time. Peace.
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Bennie Hargrove
March 13, 2020
It was great to get to know and work with Jay. He was a great musician. I appreciate how he help me understand the Jewish religion's unveiling ceremony as I was preparing my finance's grave marker. He will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to his family
Linda Catinella
March 11, 2020
Remembering you, Jay; such a talented, kind, beautiful friend. An angel on earth who effortlessly sang and played guitar with such skill as if he was just breathing. The guitar gently weeps now. Rest in Gods peace.
My prayers and love to the family.❤
Don Clune
March 8, 2020
"While my guitar gently weeps", "stones fall from my eyes instead of tears"!
I will miss my kind hearted, generous, friend, who I nicknamed Pop Jakey, as a musical moniker. There will be a void in our circle! We had fun and shared the tunes!
My condolences to Jay's family and all who loved him. Gone too soon, his beautiful spirit will live on with all of us.
David Millet
March 7, 2020
My thoughts go out to the Popky Family. I can't imagine what you are going through but I know your family, all 3 generations, will have the strength .
Gary Abramson
March 7, 2020
My heart aches for your loss. I have nothing but loving and fond memories of my times with the Popky family. Send all my love and prayers.
Jake Michael
March 7, 2020
Jay was finest sort of person one could ever hope to meet. I'm glad I got to play music with him when I did. Sail on, brother.
Patricia Davis
March 7, 2020
My husband, Dave Bennett, played in multiple bands with Jay, and I myself considered him a dear friend. What I remember best about Jay was his exquisite musicianship, but most especially his joy. He brought joy with him wherever he went. It always made me happy just to be around him. The only thing he loved more than his music was his family. The circle of his music friends feels the loss of him acutely. He leaves a hole that no one else will be able to fill.
Mark Berkowitz
March 7, 2020
Jay was a kind and gentle soul, talented musician, and good friend. He is sorely missed by all he touched. So glad to have shared the stage with him, talked and laughed together. Until we meet again my friend.
Marta Kiesling
March 7, 2020
Dear Popky family,
We are so sad to hear of Jays passing. Please know that you are all so well-loved. I hope you can feel a giant virtual hug from our family, and so many others, to yours. We wish you peace during this time of grief. May Jays memory be for a blessing. - Much love from Marta, Bill, Michael and Matthew
Jonathan Berr
March 7, 2020
I remember Jay finally from out days on Lexington Lane and thereafter. So sorry for your loss.
.
Davina Zbiegien
March 7, 2020
Can't believe it's been 10 years since we were all together, time goes by too fast! Please know you all hold a special place in our hearts, distance can not take that away from us! Jay you will be forever missed, my heart goes out to my beautiful niece and her children at this most difficult time! Love you all! XOXO
MIKE SOTAK
March 7, 2020
JAY WAS A BOWLING TEAM MATE AND AN OPEN MIC COMPANION SAD TO HEAR OF THIS HOPE YOU ROLL A 300 IN HEAVEN
MIKE SOTAK
Jen Godlewski
March 7, 2020
So sorry for your loss - I worked with Jay for a little while at Cap1 and he was such a wonderful person. Saw him play once and thought he was also a very gifted musician. So sad to hear.
Bill Hyatt
March 7, 2020
Love is the Power and the Glory
Emily Adeshigbin
March 7, 2020
To Kira, Jordan, Adam, Natalie and the extended family, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved Jay. May sweet memories give you comfort. You continue to be in my prayers. Rest is peace Jay.
Marty Tanger
March 7, 2020
I had the good fortune to know Jay through music. Although we never played together in a formal setting, we jammed together on several occasions over the years.
Jay was a terrific musician. But more importantly, he was a good man. Always positive, generous and considerate, with a presence that was uplifting to those around him.
I will miss his warmth and his spirit.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Matt & Lisa Shapiro
March 7, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers to Kira, Jordan, Adam and Nicole.
Jay was one of my oldest friends. I cherished playing guitar together
from age 15 in his parents basement to playing services at TBA. We will all miss you terribly.
Michael London
March 7, 2020
Jay was a great guy, a fun collaborator, a sincere man with depth and a blast to play with. The kind of guy you never hear a bad word about from anybody. We did one very joyful gig together and always planned to do more, but now this. Ill miss him. If there is a good jam in the afterlife, Jay will find it.
Six
March 7, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Jay was one of my most respected friends. I will miss him for a long time.
Alyssa Mayer
March 6, 2020
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers lifted for the family. May Jay's memory be a source of comfort. May G-d bless and keep you.
March 6, 2020
3/6/20
Kira and family,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May his memory be a blessing.
Andrea Krauss
Carol Sandler
March 6, 2020
My heart is sad. I hope Jay finds singing friends in heaven.
Joanne Hill
March 6, 2020
Jay was the epitome of class. He always said the right thing, sharing wisdom with a kind heart. He was an inspiring and generous musician who made everyone he played with sound good. We are all better for having known him.
Heidi Greenwald
March 6, 2020
Kira and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May Jays memory be for a blessing.
Glen Morrison
March 6, 2020
Jay: Amongst your many other charms and talents, you introduced me to Corropolese tomato pie; which you often generously bought for the department. For this alone you deserve a Nobel prize. I am so sorry for your family. Words cannot express.
Barbara Dotson
March 6, 2020
Kira, Im so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Susan Bloom
March 6, 2020
Jay, you will be missed by all whose path you crossed. Your music, your huge heart. May your memory be a blessing
Ken Garrett
March 6, 2020
So sad for the friends and family of such a wonderful, loving man. I will never forget you, and your zest for life, Jay.
Matthew Gordon
March 6, 2020
Grateful to have crossed paths with Jay, and so deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Wonderful, talented, kind, thoughtful and humble man. Enjoyed every minute spent with you Jay. There were not enough of them. I can only imagine the loss felt by those family and friends closest to him. My deepest condolences to all.
Cheryl Kramer-Zabrecchi
March 6, 2020
Kira and children, keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Your husband/father will live in your hearts, forever. God Bless. XO
Billie Hoch
March 6, 2020
I am so sorry, Kira, Jordan, Adam, and Natalie. I didn't know Jay very well. But, I enjoyed his music. And I know his wife and children are a wonderful testament to him.
Eileen Humpal
March 6, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Popky family, and all of Jay's closest friends. Even those of us who were on the periphery, when we had the opportunity to join him musically, felt his warmth and generosity.
Phyllis Chapell
March 6, 2020
I always loved Jay Popky--he was kind and generous--he was a great musician--and a great person. We are all grieving for him.
Doug Gramo
March 6, 2020
Very glad I got to meet you if only for a few times. You were very kind and talented. I only wish we had met earlier in life and could have enjoyed making music together. You will be missed but never forgotten.
David Frank
March 6, 2020
To Jays Loved Ones;
My friend, Jay Popky has succumbed to cancer. Such a beacon of grace, kindness, talent and generous spirit will be sorely missed. I am devastated and painfully saddened by his passing.
I will hug and kiss and
share tears with my family and, hopefully, in time, will find the strength to celebrate and embrace the joy, creative energy, humor and humanity that so thoroughly was Jay Popky.
But for now I am just so very sad.
Most Sincere Regards-David Frank
Sherry Somach
March 6, 2020
Jay was not only a talented musician, but a kind and giving man. Condolences to his family and to our community
Regina Perrulli
March 6, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Stacy Weathers
March 6, 2020
I have never met such a kind, perceptive and considerate individual as Jay. He will be missed by all who he has touched through his music, generosity, sense of humor, and insight. We love you Jay. Holding his family in the light.
Jennifer McGlade
March 6, 2020
Kira, so sorry for your loss! Your husband sounds like he was an incredible man. Thoughts and prayers!
March 6, 2020
Our deepest sympathies to Kira and children. Jay touched so many, it must be overwhelming the love expressed by so many. Fest won't be the same. Beaufort won't be the same. Life becomes twisted. So many care. Our sincere condolences. Vince and Denise Daniels. May the four winds blow you safely home. Peace.
Rhona Candeloro
March 6, 2020
Love you Jay..you were an incredibly kind and righteous man. Such a clear light in your eyes. You will be missed by many.
Anne Smith
March 6, 2020
Though not a close friend, every time I saw Jay, there was a hug, a "good to see you". A kind man, amazing musician. Deep sympathy.
Cobie Hoek
March 6, 2020
Some people make a wonderful impression. Jay, We will never forget you!
Stu Skaroff
March 6, 2020
Jay was a wonderful friend and musician. He was a very special person, who was completely and constantly kind and full of integrity. I will miss him greatly. My sincere condolences to his family.
Scotty K
March 6, 2020
An honor to have shared the stage and friendship. Till we meet again, Let There Be Songs To Fill The Air.
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