John Popek

John Popek a life long resident of Wallington, entered eternal life, November 29th, 2019, at his L.B.I home; surrounded by his devoted family. John was borne to John and Stella (Bolka) Popek on November 7th, 1932 at home in Wallington. John was a semi-professional boxer and in 1950 became the Diamond Glove Middle Weight Division Champion of New Jersey. In 1953, John proudly joined the next major fight of his life and enlisted in the United States Army in the midst of the Korean War, where he served in the 47th Infantry Tank Company. After his honorable discharge in 1955, John came home and proposed to the love of his life the former Joyce Travers. They were married on September 20th, 1958 at The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Wallington. John spent over forty years, working at the Grand Union distribution center in Carlstadt. It was here that John was instrumental in organizing the workers to join the Teamsters Union Local 560. John retired in the late 1990's, so that he could spend more time with his family, fishing and hunting. John was also instrumental at the Kearny Boys Club, where he coached many young men in the art of boxing. He was a member of the Wallington Knights of Columbus Council 3644 and the VFW Pavlik Koster Post 2640. John is survived by his devoted wife Joyce of over 61 years. John is also survived by his beloved children Michael and his wife Kim, Robyn Federico, David and his wife Kathleen, Todd and his wife Dawn Popek. He is also survived by his eight loving grandchildren Andrew, Steven, Michael John (MJ), Matthew, Daniel, Barbara Joyce, Jamie Lynn and Todd Edward, and his great grandson Kayden. He is survived by his sister Teresa (Shirley) Mangone. John was predeceased by his beloved grandson David Popek, Jr. and his dear sister Frances Siedlarczyk. Visiting 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 pm, Friday, December 6th, at Warner-Wozniak Funeral Service, 80 Midland Ave. Wallington. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 am, Saturday, December 7th, at The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 127 Paterson Avenue, Wallington. A private cremation will follow. www.WarnerAndWozniak.com