Joseph A. Popio

Struthers - Joseph A. Popio, 74, died Tuesday morning, March 29, 2016 at Maplecrest Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Joseph, affectionately known as "Joe," was born March 9, 1942 in Youngstown, a son of Vincent and Angeline Russo Popio.

Raised in Youngstown, Joe was a 1960 graduate of East High School. He was employed as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service. Joe retired in February of 1998 after 30 years of service.

He married the former, Dorothy A. Bassetti, on June 14, 1969. In 1972, they relocated to Struthers, where they would make their home and raise their four children.

He was a 44 year member of Christ Our Savior Parish at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Struthers and its Altar and Rosary Society. Joe was also a member of the Struthers Gridiron, MVR Eastside Last Quarter Gang, YSU Penguin Club, Elmton Golf League, Jednota Golf League, and Struthers Knights of Columbus No. 4224.

Joe was an avid sports enthusiast and could often be found cheering on the Struthers and YSU football and basketball teams. He was also a huge University of Michigan fan and had the opportunity to attend several games at Michigan Stadium. One of his highlights as a sports enthusiast was attending a 1971 World Series Game in Pittsburgh with his father-in-law, Ben Bassetti.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Dorothy; his daughter, Marie Matta of Youngstown; three sons, Joseph Vincent Popio of Miraflores, Peru, Ben Popio of Boardman, and Nick Popio of Struthers; the light of his life, granddaughter, Elena; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Anthony Popio.

Family and friends will be received on Friday from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland.

A prayer service will be held Saturday at 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

Joe's family would like to express their appreciation and thank the staff of Maplecrest Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation and Crossroads Hospice for the wonderful and compassionate care they provided Joe.

The family suggests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions in Joe's name to Crossroads Hospice, 3743 Boettler Oaks Dr., Suite E, Green, OH 44685.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.