In loving memory of

George "Ron" Popowich
April 19, 1947 - January 28, 2018

George ''Ron'' Popowich, 70, of Connelly, NY, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2018. He was born April 19, 1947 in Brooklyn, to the late George Richard Popowich and Bertha Kraatz Popowich. Ron was a Kingston High School graduate, class of 1965. He then served in the US Air Force and later worked as a Plumber for Dyno Nobel in Port Ewen, for many years.

Ron was a member of Connelly Fire Department, Lake Katrine Rod and Gun Club, Joyce-Schirick Post #1386 VFW, and the Hudson Valley Chapter of AMCA. Local people would remember him traveling from Connelly to Port Ewen for a drink at the bar on his donkey, "Dugan". He had a passion for building Harley Davidson Motorcycles, and would often ride with his dog in the side car. Ron would gather on his porch with friends and family, "what happened on the porch, stayed on the porch". Ron annually brought in the New Year with fireworks and a single shotgun blast. His traditions are well known by several generations of Connelly families. His interest in local history and forestry made him a great resource for all.

Ron is survived by his daughter, Sophie Popowich-Ihne and her husband Justin Ihne of Plattsburgh, NY, his grandchildren, Marley, Rowan, and Ethan Ihne, several nieces, nephews, and cousins in Ohio, Florida, South Carolina, and Kingston, as well as his dog, Grizzley. He had a special bond with many in Connelly, especially the Wiley Family as well as his niece Kim, who traveled with him and was his care taker. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his brother, Philip Kyritz.

Entrusted to the care of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Kingston. A memorial service will take place in the spring and will be announced at a later date. To leave an expression of sympathy, please visit www.KeyserFuneralService.com

Tributes

Ronald Cole wrote on Feb 6, 2018:

"Ron was a great friend and person I have known Ron since I was a child Ron was good to my mom and dad and when my mom was in the hospital Ron reached out to her I helped Ron load his gorceries when he shopped at hannafords in the town of ulster I saw ron at the VFW 1386 FROM TIME TO TIME he will be missed deepest sympathy to his daughter and her family Ron Cole and family"

debraingrassia2@gmail.com wrote on Feb 6, 2018:

"I WAS SADDENED BY RONS PASSING..IVE KNOW HIM ALONG TIME...I CAN REMEMBER DUGAN...I REMEMBER WHEN MY BROTHER AND RON BUILT MY BROTHERS BIKE FROM THE GROUND UP..IT WAS AMAZING TO WATCH THE TWO OF THEM...POP ALWAYS TREATED ME AS A LIL SISTER AND IF I NEEDED HIM HE WAS ALWAYS THERE..I WILL MISS U BUT U WILL ALWAYS REMAIN IN MY HEART.. MY CODOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.. RIDE IN PEACE POP.. DEBRA COLE INGRASSIA AND FAMILY..."

debraingrassia2@gmail.com wrote on Feb 6, 2018:

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debraingrassia2@gmail.com wrote on Feb 6, 2018:

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debraingrassia2@gmail.com wrote on Feb 6, 2018:

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debraingrassia2@gmail.com wrote on Feb 6, 2018:

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Cheri Matthews wrote on Feb 4, 2018:

"Dear Sophie, Justin & family, We're so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with all of you. Don & Cheri Matthews & family"

charlie lawrence wrote on Feb 4, 2018:

"Dear Sophie Popowich-Ihne and family, I have only seen Ronnie (as I knew him) a couple of times in the past 50 years or so... but back in our high school years we were pretty much together every day. He had a great sense of humor and was destined back then to live life the way he wanted. One day back in '64 or so - I showed up at his house with my '54 Mercury... he did not like the way it was running... and immediately pulled the fuel pump and other parts off (I stood there half in horror because I didn't even know what a fuel pump was - while he laughed as only he could laugh with his entire body) - an hour or two later the car was running like new. Then one day in '65 or so --- a day or so before he went into the service - he stopped by my house to take a ride on his "bike"... I think it was a BSA... off we went - shorts - sandles - no shirts - no helmets... with the wind in our hair and face. It was a short ride - down to Kingston Point and back. When I hopped on - I did not realize he had a wet bathing suit on. When we got back to my house and I got off - Ronnie cracked up laughing. He said it looked like I had wet my pants! Back in the day -- Ronnie was one of my favorite guys. Even though our lives went in different directions and we did not stay connected... those moments when we did cross paths were bear hug moments. He was a great guy and I am sure you will miss him. Remember his smile and sense of humor. So sorry for your loss. Charlie Lawrence"

Kim Hoy Baker wrote on Feb 2, 2018:

"Uncle Ron...so much to say...so short and sweet...my first album from him and Carla " 3 Dog Night"" always made him play 1 at his house for me....i was just a kid. Lol , Susie the goat loved her, Dugan who all us kids had a chance to ride...a surprised visit from him when I lived in Florida and him and I went to Popwhites Harley Vineyard for 3 days. Peeing behind a tree....and ride the trik...going up Connelly road and turning onto Salam st and he Saud u was close to guardrail..do you know how much that fender xosts? Me: no cause I didn't hit it!!!last but not least...getting my license and being able to go to Van Loans for him I put the Ballentine on the counter and they would say oh your at your Uncles!! I will miss you so..Thank you for all the lessons in life and all the wonderful people " you're friends" that have become.my friends and have helped with our journey the last 3 years. I love you and will.miss terrible. Grizzly is in good hands we got.your back???'??"

Francine Copeland (Nichols) wrote on Jan 31, 2018:

"What can I say about Ron that everyone doesn't already know. He lived life on HIS terms. I think that was what most people who knew him envied. Ride on my birthday brother for I know your spirit is in the wind... THE LAST RIDE I stood & I watched as my Brother rode by It wasn't the way it should be He rode not his bike, but in a long black cage And he rode by himself not with me. But I shed not a tear for this Brother of mine For he lived free and loved his lifestyle So ride on my Brother and rest in peace Till we meet again after while And when my time comes to take that last ride You can bet it'll be with a smile Cause I love to ride and I'll be going home So I'll enjoy it to the very last mile"

Mike Torelli wrote on Jan 31, 2018:

"Well George I hope you are happy and healthy again cruising on one of those flathead Harleys- God bless you my friend-your buddy( "that PR Honda rider")- Mike"

Cindy Delavan (Mendock) wrote on Jan 31, 2018:

"Ron was such a unique individual, quietly living his life on his own terms. I'm glad I had a chance to talk with him recently. He was very appreciative of his friends who were helping him out in the past few months. He also spoke with great pride of his daughter Sophie and her family. A humble and kind man, he will be very much missed by many in the Connelly community. Rest in peace, Ron. I'm sure your beloved dog was waiting in the sidecar for you. Ride on !! "

Kathy West wrote on Jan 30, 2018:

"I grew up with Ron. He was an inventive guy, always making something new out of something old. We shared a lot of life in Connelly as kids. He was funny and always kind. "

Steve Chapman wrote on Jan 30, 2018:

"great guy! larger then life I was glad to have worked with him and share some beers back in the day RIP "

karen schmitz wrote on Jan 30, 2018:

"A great cuz, who will be missed by many. I will never forgot you and all you did for me. Love ya, Karen your cuz."

John L. Reilly wrote on Jan 30, 2018:

"Peace. I hope that wherever you are now, there are Harley's and dogs! Just know that you have left a wonderful legacy in your daughter Sophie. "