Obituary of George H. Popik

George H. Popik George H. Popik, husband and father, died Friday evening, August 29, 2008, after a long illness, at home, surrounded by his family. George was married to Virginia Voorhees Popik for 60 years. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a mechanical engineer, avid golfer, artist, and naturalist. George studied at Cornell University graduating in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. As a student, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. George is survived by his immediate family including his wife Virginia, South Plainfield, New Jersey; his daughters Linda Erickson, Greensboro, North Carolina; Leeann Lavin, Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey and New York City; Sharon Watkinson, Flemington New Jersey; and his son, James Popik, Hopewell Township, New Jersey. He is also survived by his son in law William H. Lavin and his daughter in law, Donna Popik; and his six grandchildren including Lauren and Marissa Erickson; Kevin and Garrett Watkinson; and Tara and Erin Popik. Charles Popik, Cranford, New Jersey; Harry Popik, Watchung, New Jersey; and Anne Wanca, South Plainfield, are George's surviving siblings. Michael and Anne Popik, his parents, and his brother and sister Michael and Mary have pre-deceased him. George was a member of the West Nine Men's League at the West Nine Golf Course, Plainfield Country Club, where he was president emeritus for approximately ten years and where he enjoyed playing golf for more than 20 years. He was a caddy at Plainfield Country Club in his youth. He belonged to the Cornell Alumni Association and was a member of Sacred Heart parish, South Plainfield. George was recognized for his leadership, his wit, his art, and his love of family. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 2008 at 9:15 AM in the McCriskin - Gustafson Home Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield followed by a 10:00 AM funeral mass at Sacred Heart RC Church, South Plainfield. Interment will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM in the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the scholarship fund at the www.thefirsttee.org