Mr. Daniel Eugene Popovich

July 15, 1931 - December 12, 2020

Daniel Eugene Popovich, 89, of Roswell, GA, passed away on December 12, 2020. He was born to parents Michael and Elizabeth Popovich, on July 15, 1931, in Johnstown, PA. Dan graduated from Johnstown High School in 1949, lettering in 4 sports and received a full scholarship for football to Washington & Lee College in Lexington, VA. He graduated in 1953, with honors, and a degree in Geology. He went on to serve as an officer in the Navy. After active service, he continued with the Naval Reserves, and later retired at the rank of Captain. He continued his education at Penn State University and received his Masters in Geology, and was then sought out and hired by Exxon for their Research & Development department. He married Sheila Antonia Nelson, his college sweetheart, love of his life and best friend, in 1952. Dan is survived by daughters Rose Popovich (husband Don Beckman), Dana Popovich (husband Mike Kaplan), Sheila Popovich (husband David Wright) and Jennifer Popovich (husband Christopher Jolly), as well as grandchildren Meredith Reynolds, Natalie Fernandez and London Jolly. Dan was the last surviving of three brothers, James (Jim) Popovich and William (Bill) Popovich. Dan was known for his love of sports, especially football and baseball. He loved to play golf, and on occasion, tennis (which his wife would get him involved in playing!). He and his wife, Sheila (whom he called Toni, her family nickname), raised their four daughters to be active, strong, intelligent and independent, making sure that all four had college careers to ensure they experienced the best life has to offer. Dan was known to tell his grandchildren, “Get a good education and always try your best.” He was very proud of each and every one of his children and grandchildren. Dan and his wife Sheila loved to travel, not only to visit their children and family, but to see the world; they had many adventures abroad and were happy to share their love of travel and adventure with their family. Due to COVID19, there will not be a funeral held for Dan. His family will be planning a small Memorial in the future when it is safe to do so. Dan was a strong supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, if you would like to contribute in his name, his family would be honored: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html