Father James L. Popochock, 75, of Everson, a retired priest of the Diocese of Greensburg, passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at his residence. Father Popochock was born July 30, 1941, in Mt. Pleasant, a son of the late John Popochock and Josephine (Szymanski) Popochock McGivern. Father Popochock attended the former St. John the Baptist School in Scottdale and graduated from the former Immaculate Conception High School in Connellsville (1959). He attended the former St. Gregory Seminary, in Cincinnati, received a Bachelor's degree from St. Vincent College, and a Master of Divinity degree from St. Vincent Seminary (1968). Father Popochock was ordained to the priesthood May 18, 1968, by Bishop William G. Connare, at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg. He served as parochial vicar of Mt. St. Peter Parish, New Kensington, (1968-71); Holy Family Parish, Latrobe (1971-74); the former St. Leonard Parish, Monessen (1974-75); served as pastor of St. Matthew Parish, Saltsburg (1975-78); the former Assumption Parish, Leechburg (1978-83); Immaculate Conception Parish, Connellsville, and its mission in Dawson (1983-84); the former St. Procopius Parish, New Salem (1986-2007); as administrator of its partner parish, St. Thomas Parish, Footedale (1994-2007); and St. Joan of Arc Parish, Farmington (2007-2016), until his retirement to private residence in Everson June 30, 2016. He also served diocesan appointments as moderator of the Charismatic Renewal groups, pro-life director and as a regional moderator for Region 18. Father Popochock will be sadly missed by his loving family; his special aunts, Cecilia Pisula (his Godmother) and Verne Fedorek, both of Everson; his dog's nanny, Beverly Andaloro; his brother, John Popochock, and his wife, Lorraine, of Rochester, N.Y.; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Joseph McGivern; his sister, Joann Wawrzyniak; and his special canine friends, Rusty, Slook, Penny, Jenna, Josie, Goldie, Mandy, Jake, Max, Quark, Sally, Ponder and Lucky (March 14, 2017).
Personalized arrangements are under the professional supervision of the ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 105 Spring St., Scottdale, 724-887-5300, www.fergusonfunerals.com., GPS: N40 degrees 06.136, W79 degrees 35.278. Family and friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel where a parish wake service will be held at 6:45 p.m. Friday. Additional viewing will be held from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday in St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Scottdale. Funeral Mass will be concelebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday with the Most Reverend Bishop Edward C. Malesic, Bishop of Greensburg, assisted by Father Andrew Kawecki. Graveside committal service and interment will follow in the parish cemetery.
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