With sorrow, the Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, has announced the death of Reverend Stephen Popovich, who died January 14, 2024.
Father Popovich was 69 years old and is survived by brothers, Charlie (Mary) Popovich, John (Andrea) Popovich, sisters, Margie (Mike) Cretella and Liz Popovich along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Father Popovich was born November 24, 1954. He attended Saint Matthias Elementary School, and Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown. Following graduation he attended Youngstown State University before entering The Athenaeum of Ohio, Mount Saint Mary of the West Seminary in Cincinnati.
He was ordained June 6, 1981, by the Most Reverend James W. Malone Bishop of Youngstown in St. Columba Cathedral. Following ordination, Father Popovich served as associate pastor at St. James Parish in Warren. In 1984 he was appointed Priest -Catechist at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in Louisville followed by Associate Principal of Cardinal Mooney High School in 1989. Father Popovich’s pastorates included Assumption Parish in Geneva, St. Lucy Parish in Campbell, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Austintown and St. Paul the Apostle Parish in New Middletown.
Besides his dedication as a teacher, associate principal and pastor, Father Popovich served many years as director of the Office of Continuing Education of Priests, as a member of the Priests Personnel Board, Dean of Mahoning North and Chaplain of Scouts in Trumbull, Stark and Mahoning Counties.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Austintown from 2 to 6 p.m., with Evening Vespers at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024.
