It is with indescribable sadness and our deepest regret that we share with you the death of our beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend.
Scott Jon Popovich, 50, died at 6:47 a.m., Sunday, February 3, 2019, from a sudden and silent heart attack.
Scott was born February 7, 1968, in Chicago and was a 44-year resident of Arizona. He worked as an IT Manager at Nationwide Insurance Company, was a volunteer youth football coach for children throughout Anthem, Arizona, and was the Chicago Bears' most dedicated and passionate fan.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle, of twenty-five years; and three beautiful children, Brandon Popovich (24), Kellen Popovich (20) and Caitlyn Popovich (19); his mother, Carol Popovich; brother, James Meck; father and mother-in-law, Daniel and Mary Ann Martin; sister-in-law, Jessica Martin; two nephews, Maximilian and Lukas Fuss; aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Darko Popovich; sister and brother-in-law, Fritz and Lisa Fuss; nephew, Nikolaus Fuss; and grandparents.
Services will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 8, at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary located at 6500 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Eulogy(s) and memories will be shared beginning at 7:00 p.m., followed by an open invitation for all who wish to speak in honor of Scott. All are welcome.
Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 9 at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne located at 2825 W. Rose Canyon Circle, Anthem, AZ 85086. A formal procession will follow to the burial located at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, 200 W. Beardsley Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85027. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to an organization that represents causes that were highly valued and loved by Scott. In addition, our family would be grateful for recognition of those who not only responded to but fought tirelessly for him in his final hours.
Lazin Animal Foundation
c/o Keith Miller
14555 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 330
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Daisy Mountain Veterans
https://www.daisymtnvets.org/donate/
Daisy Mountain Firefighters Charities Association
https://firefighterscharities.org/donate/
On behalf of Scott's family, especially his wife and children, we cannot begin to express our heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of support and love from all of our family and friends. You are the strength we have needed; you are the encouragement we will continue to need. We are eternally grateful.
"Tell him that in his death, a part of you dies and goes with him. Wherever he goes, you also go. He will not be alone."
Tributes
Tim Snelling wrote on Apr 1, 2019:
"Scottsdale beaver Played football with Scott , mostly of Time I stayed standing on the sidelines . But Scott was always nice to me. I remember him like yesterday. Just heard about his passing tonight. We lost I think most of the games except Arcadia high school . The school that closed us down. I remember one game that it was raining hard and coach said should we call the game and Scott and the rest of the team said no, thanks a lot Scott I?m still ThawIng out. Well the world will miss you . Tim Snelling."
Lauren Rick-Weber wrote on Feb 9, 2019:
"Michelle and family-although it has been years since Scott and I shared a cubical wall, or ran into each other in the hallways at SIC, I still remember him as if it was yesterday. I wish I could have been there yesterday and today to support all of you-instead I am sending my love and prayers from afar. Scott was a one in a million guy. Someone who enriched your life just by being in it. I am so glad to have been blessed to have called him friend. Even though he is no longer with us physically, I know he will always watch over his family and loved ones from above, just as he did when he was walking this earth. May God bless all of you with comfort and strength in the days ahead. Much love."
Sandya Kavesseri wrote on Feb 8, 2019:
"You have always been a true mentor, friend and co worker to all of us. We have had several conversations over technology and above all very beautiful memories and fun times at work. Deeply saddened by this loss of a great person. All your near and dear ones will miss you. May your soul rest in peace."
Roxy wrote on Feb 8, 2019:
"I didn?t know Scott very well, but at every football game or any other time I saw him with my grandchildren he was treating them like they were his own kids. Always joking with or looking out for them. Always quick to help out with rides or making them laugh or whatever they needed. They think of him as an uncle. Our neighborhood will never be the same. Thinking of you all
Roxy Schuyler"
Terri McGregor wrote on Feb 8, 2019:
"Michelle, Brandon, Kellen and Caitlyn,
I?m so sorry for your loss. My prayers
And thoughts are with you. I love and miss you all!
Love, your cousin Terri"
Mike Drew wrote on Feb 8, 2019:
"My deepest condolences. I was honored to work with and for Scott for a number of years. He was taken way too early. All who knew him will miss him. My sympathies to his family on their great loss."
Laura Stenzel wrote on Feb 8, 2019:
"There are no words to describe the depth of our heartache over losing Scott. He was a kind, thoughtful man with the most wonderful sense of humor. I am so grateful for the friendship and now the memories. Peace be with you Michelle, Brandon, Kellen, and Caitlyn."
Patrick Neary wrote on Feb 7, 2019:
"So sad to learn of Scott's sudden passing. I'll always remember him as the thoughtful, diligent and kind man he was. My sincere condolences to his wife and family and to all who loved him."
Trish Buckhardt wrote on Feb 7, 2019:
"Words really don't seem be enough to say how deeply sad we are about Scotts passing. But you know how much love there is for him and the family. I pray it will give you courage and strength. We will remember the happy times.
The Buckhardt Family"
Uncle Tommy, Aunt Kathy, Chris, Laurie, Vito and t wrote on Feb 7, 2019:
"Dear, Michelle, Brandon, Kellen and Caitlyn,
Our hearts break for all of you. This was such a sudden and tragic loss. You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. We just want to extend all our love, support and deepest sympthy to all of you.
With much love,
Uncle Tommy, Aunt Kathy, Chris, Laurie, Vito and the boys"
Christine Goodman wrote on Feb 6, 2019:
"I?m crushed from the loss of such a great co-worker, manager, and beloved friend. I spent 19 years enjoying our conversations, laughter, and debates. You brightened so many of my days and gave me , and many others, wonderful and funny memories. You will always be missed and adored.
Michelle, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. Scott loved and adored his family and was always so proud of each one you."
John Rogers wrote on Feb 6, 2019:
"I had the good fortune to know Scott through my brother, Tim Rogers. My memories of Scott are vast but I always think of football with Scott. Great times watching games with him and having him our our beloved fantasy football commissioner. I also recall long ago him hanging from the beams(at some bar, I can?t remember) singing ?I am woman?.......classic Pop! My prayers to you and your family. You will always be in our hearts. Deeply missed"
Annette wrote on Feb 6, 2019:
"I was honored to know you for the last 15 years. Our memories of you will live on in our hearts forever. Rest in peace Scotty Pop. You will be missed sorely."
Jim Van Parys wrote on Feb 6, 2019:
"I am so very sorry for the loss of such an amazing person! Scott was a great man! I will miss him greatly. I knew Scott his whole career at Scottsdale/ Nationwide Insurance. He cared deeply for everyone. I offer my deepest Condolences to Michelle and the kids and all his family you will be in my prayers."
Jeff Swanitz wrote on Feb 6, 2019:
"I will miss my friend Scott.
I wish his family strength and peace.
We've lost a good man and friend.
Michelle, Brandon, Kellen, Caitlyn; stay strong for each other. I have no doubt you will.
Love to you all.
Jeff Swanitz"
Rebecca Wilson wrote on Feb 6, 2019:
"Scott,
You were so much more than my boss. You were my friend. Your counsel when I was having issues was invaluable. You not only listened, you cared and it made everything easier. Thank you. I was privileged to be able to pray for you and yours whenever you asked. Thank you for trusting me to do so. My heart breaks with the knowledge that you aren?t just a text away anymore.
My deepest sympathies to you family. My prayers are with them.
Rebecca (Gentry) Wilson"
Gayle Bowen wrote on Feb 6, 2019:
"Our deepest sympathy to Michelle and the Popovich family. May God be with you all at this challenging time. We wish Scott a peaceful and loving journey.
Jim and Gayle Bowen"
Debbie Sumrall wrote on Feb 6, 2019:
"Scott was one of a kind...more than a co-worker for 15 years...he was also a great friend. I'll always remember a conversation we had many years ago...he could see I was not myself so he started a conversation...suddenly I found myself confiding in him...he shared a similar experience with me and gave me perspective...I'm so happy I told him later how much that simple conversation helped me. Scott, you will be missed so much. Michelle, my prayers are with you and your children and your family. May God be with you all and give you the strength and comfort only He can give.
Debbie Sumrall"
Shannon Bitton wrote on Feb 6, 2019:
"Our sincerest condolences. Scott touched many young lives, one of which was my son. We are so grateful for his service to our community."
Joe Ferguson wrote on Feb 6, 2019:
"In our short time in Arizona we met some really great people and made fast friends with many. Scott & His family were so welcoming to us. We will hold onto and cherish our good memories of time spent knowing him. God bless you all during this difficult time.
Joe & Emily Ferguson"
Dennis Schuler wrote on Feb 6, 2019:
"Scott,
You always have been an amazing person. You were a great team mate, boss and such a wonderful friend! I'm going to miss having our talks and razing each other especially when the packers and Bears play! I will always miss and love you my great friend.
Michelle and family, he was such an amazing husband and father, he would constantly gloat about his family at work! Our sincerest condolences!
Dennis and Selina!"
Karen Davis wrote on Feb 6, 2019:
"Scott was the best at everything he did including being kind and giving. Prayers and healing. Michelle, he will always be with you and knows how much you loved him."
Michelle and John Colaiacovo wrote on Feb 6, 2019:
"We are so very saddened at the loss of Scott. Michelle. John and I send you our deepest sympathy . May God give you comfort and peace during this incredibly difficult time."
Keith & Stephanie Farmer wrote on Feb 6, 2019:
"Scott,
It was a honor to have you part of my life. You where more than a manager to me but also a great friend who has helped me through my toughest days and my best days. I will miss your great sense of humor and your companionship. To all the family we are truly sorry for your loss.
God bless
The Farmer's
Keith and Stephanie"
Lynda Hart wrote on Feb 6, 2019:
"My Family and I send our condolences to you Michelle and your Family and your many Friends.
Praying that God will bless your Family and help you through this most difficult journey."
Amie & Matt Lohr wrote on Feb 5, 2019:
"Sending condolences and prayers for continued support and strength ? from the Matt Lohr family."
Torrie Mounts wrote on Feb 5, 2019:
"My most heartfelt sympathies are with you and your family at this tragic time. Scott was a great man and will be remembered as such. I wish for you all to find peace and healing."