Obituary
Paul Henry Popsuj (March 2, 1943) passed away March 20, 2024 just after his 81st birthday.
Born to Regina Popsuj in 1943 in South Boston, Paul was adored by his mother, grandfather, and extended family alike who he often had amusing anecdotes about. During his childhood, he loved animals so much he must have had half of South Boston’s stray animals living in his attic like Minnie, a stray kitten he found that was so small it fit into his pocket as a teen.
In 1964, Paul met his future wife Nancy (Forbes) during an argument over the pronunciation of his last name for a bowling league and was instantly smitten. The two married on September 18, 1965, and had 3 boys David, Stephen, and Paul Jonathan (PJ). He loved being a father and caregiver. In describing what it was like to raise 3 children, he commonly remarked that “while you might initially worry about how you could possibly love another child as much, your heart always makes room.” His three sons remember him as a quasi-sitcom father figure who loved them dearly despite the predicaments they got themselves into throughout their childhood and adolescence.
Throughout their nearly 59 years together, Paul was a loving husband and friend to his wife Nancy. The two loved to travel, go dancing, and just enjoy life together. Paul was known to buy an entire outfit off a mannequin for his wife “just because” or, as was one of their favorite anniversary stories, to rent a limo to take them to dinner and a show. He could always make her laugh whether by pretending to know how to speak French on a trip to Montreal, or by his willingness to get up on stage with any band or act (despite his sons’ occasional embarrassment).
Paul was also the best grandfather anyone could ask for. As the grandfather to 7, he had endless patience, unconditional love, and an ability to make any situation or activity fun. Many of his grandchildren remember taking walks through his Natick neighborhood to the park where Paul would know the names of every dog they passed by. Known for his “deal-making,” his at times questionable retellings of historical events or nursery rhymes, and his expertise in spinning naps as “rests,” Paul was the Ultimate Grandpa.
Paul worked primarily as a data center manager for Wang Labs in Boston, Massachusetts. Paul served as the Grand Knight of the Watertown Knights of Columbus Chapter, and as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Timothy Catholic Church building on his childhood experiences as an altar boy. Paul loved going out on the town to listen to music, go to shows, and to enjoy quality time with his family. He became a friend to just about anyone who met him and brought joy and laughter everywhere he went, even when he was sick. To the very end, Paul’s primary concern was the happiness and wellbeing of his wife and family. Throughout his life, he was the exception to the rule, the outlier, who defied odds and fought through the unthinkable when most would have given up; all with a smile on his face.
Paul is survived by his wife, Nancy (Forbes) Popsuj, his sons David Popsuj, Stephen Popsuj, and Paul (PJ) Popsuj as well as their wives Kimberly (Hill) Popsuj, Christy (Cappello) Popsuj, and Christina (Breitling) Popsuj and his grandchildren Sydney, Benjamin, Sarah, Jeffery, Kyra, Ryan, and Tyler. His family will remember Paul for his unconditional love, his love of life, and his “up-to-no-good” grin that lit up any room he was in up until the very end.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Moffit Cancer Center in Paul’s name and/or go out to your favorite restaurant, have a great time, and tip your server extraordinarily.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held June 15th at 8:30AM at St. Timothy Catholic Church, The Villages, FL for any who wish to attend.
Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.
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