Richard F. Popelik

RICHARD F. "POPE" POPELIK, a resident of King of Prussia, passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on Wednesday evening at his residence with his loving family by his side.

Pope, as he was affectionately known to his many friends, was born on March 26,1952 in Swedesburg and was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Belmonte) Popelik and was the loving husband of Susan "Susie" (Wertz) Popelik for 46 years.

Pope graduated from Upper Merion Senior High School and was employed as a Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor for the US Postal Service, where he was also a Union Steward, for 36 years. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as Military Police and the National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course. While in the service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, sharpshooter (Hand Grenade) and the Marksman Badge (M-16 Rifle). He was also a Life Member of the King of Prussia Vol. Fire Co. where he served as a Fire Fighter and Fire Police Captain, a Life Member of Goodwill Fire Co. of Bridgeport, a Member of Swedesburg Vol. Fire Co., Valley Forge VFW Post 7878 of King of Prussia and Trappe VFW.

He was an avid golfer, a Phillies fan, and a die hard Pittsburgh Steelers Fan. He also volunteered at Shannondell Golf Club and loved taking road trips with his wife. 

Besides his wife, he is survived by 2 daughters: Sarah Popelik Alvaro and her husband, James and Ashley Popelik Shockley and her husband Ryan, Grandchildren: Jaylynn, Kamren, Brayden and Baby Shockley.  Also surviving are 3 Brothers: Joseph, "Joe" and his wife Cindy, Benjamin "Ben" and his wife Karen and Matthew, "Matt" and his wife Angela and a sister: Mary "Babe" Mascaro, and her husband Mike.

Per Pope's final wish, funeral services will be private.

Arrangements are by the Bernard S. Gutkowski Funeral Home of Swedesburg, Upper Merion Twp.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard F. Popelik, please visit our floral store.