Stefan Poplawski  Jr. age 75, of Budd Lake, NJ passed away on Sunday July 4, 2010 at New York Presbyterian Hospital , surrounded by his family.  Stefan was born on May 6, 1935 in Krewo, Poland.    He was deported with his family by the Soviets to Siberia in 1940. Having survived the ravages of World War II, after general amnesty, he and his family left the Soviet Union with millions of displaced people. His fate and journey led him from Siberia through Persia, India, to settle in South Africa under the care of the British Government.  From there, he and his family migrated to Great Britain after the war and settled in the United States in 1951.  He initially settled on Long Island, later moving to Jersey City, NJ and then to Clifton, NJ.  He moved to Budd Lake in 1966.

     Following his arrival in Clifton, he joined the Polish American Youth Association to commence many years of active service in the organization for the benefit of the Polish American Community.   For many years he served as coach and captain on the Polish Youth Association’s volleyball team which he help organize. He joined Sports Vistula where, for many years, he engaged in soccer as a player and staunch supporter of other sporting activities. He actively participated in tennis, as well as volleyball, organizing many tournaments at Polish American Youth Assoc. picnics in Denville, Somerville and Oak Ridge, NJ.

       His formative academic training commenced in Northern Rhodesia and Africa, in the “Refugee Camp” Abercorn.  His secondary education was in Bottisham, Great Britain and he completed High School in Jersey City. He received his Bachelor and Masters Degree in Civil Engineering from New York University in 1959 and 1961 respectively.   During his years at NYU,  he was a member of the Pershing Rifles, where he was an Alumni. He also received his license to practice Professional Engineering in the State of New York.  After graduation, he was employed by Con Edison in NY for 16 years, where he held various management positions responsible for construction of many electric generating stations.  In 1975, he joined the New York State Power Authority, holding various construction management positions including Q/A and Code Enforcement oversight. In 1980, he was appointed by the New York Power Authority Trustees to the position of Vice President and Assistant  Engineer  for Construction Management Services. Before retiring from NY Power Authority in 2002, he became a Code Compliance Officer.

     Stefan was an avid sportsman. He was an accomplished tennis player and skier for many years.  He enjoyed skiing the mountains of Pennsylvania, Vermont and at the age of 73, he skied  Copper Mountain  and Vail in Colorado. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and belonged to numerous Rod and Gun Clubs. He was a member of the National Rifle Association.  He also enjoyed horseracing, cycling and taking trips to the casinos.  Among his many passions, he enjoyed cutting and splitting wood.

       In 1964, inspired by the love of Polish music and song, he and his wife, Alice, joined the newly organized Aria Choir which is a member of the Polish Singers Alliance of America. For over 44 years he represented Aria Choir as its delegate to the District 7 encompassing NJ, NY, CT and PA at regional and national conventions. He was Past President of Aria Choir and District 7.   He was a Honorary member of the Polish Singers Alliance of America.  Throughout his life, he continually supported Polish organizations, events and charities.  He remained true to his Polish Heritage.

    Stefan was a Charter member of the Father Joseph A. Cassidy  Knights of Columbus Council 6100 and was a Fourth Degree Knight member of Msgr. Edwin Lange Assembly in Netcong. He was also a member of the Color Corps.  He was a Parishioner of St. Jude Church in Budd Lake.

    He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Alice (Szura), his daughters, Barbara  E. Poplawski,  Diane A. McLaughlin and her husband Robert, Chrystina M. Graziani, and his son, Steven P. Poplawski;  his grandchildren: Brian, Tyler, and Justin McLaughlin. He is also survived by a brother, Stanley.  He was pre-deceased by his parents, Stefan Sr., and Anna Poplawski , his sister Eugenia Zyszkowski and brother, Richard.   He leaves behind many extended relatives and friends.  His unique sense of humor and personality will always be remembered. He was a loving man and will truly be missed by his family and friends.   

   Visitation will be on Thursday, July 8, 2010 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the William J. Leber Funeral Home, 15 Furnace Rd. (corner of Rt 206) in Chester, NJ. There will be a 12:30pm Funeral Mass celebrated at Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine – St. Ann’s Chapel in Doylestown, PA on Friday July 9. Burial will take place at the Our Lady of Czestochowa Cemetery following the Mass. 

 In Lieu of Flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: Aria Choir, c/o Cracovia Polish Peoples Home, 196 Main Ave, Wallington, NJ 07057 or to  Dr. Ellen Ritchie, Leukemia Program, 525 East 68th Street, Star Building, Suite J, New York, New York 10065.