J 1145: Mourning the death of William Donald Popoli, distinguished citizen and devoted family man

 Senate Resolution No. 1145 BY: Senator HARCKHAM MOURNING the death of William Donald Popoli, distinguished citizen and devoted family man WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose lifetimes of service, dedication, and commitment significantly contributed to the quality of life in their communities and throughout this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of William Donald Popoli of Ossining, New York, who died on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by his beloved family after a courageous battle with melanoma; and WHEREAS, William "Bill" Popoli was born on November 8, 1938, in Yonkers, New York, to Filomena and Adam Popoli, and was the third of four children: Viola, Charles, and Adam; and WHEREAS, Bill Popoli graduated from Commerce High School and proudly served in the United States Navy, stationed in Bainbridge, Maryland; Portsmouth, Virginia; and Great Lakes, Illinois-where he developed a lifelong devotion to the Detroit Tigers; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his honorable military service, Bill Popoli embarked on a 45-year career in banking, beginning at the County Trust Company in Mount Vernon and later working with Bank of New York, Dime Savings Bank, and Hudson Valley Bank, where he specialized in outreach to churches, religious organizations, and legal institutions; and WHEREAS, In 1962, Bill Popoli married the love of his life, Grace, whom he met on a blind date; together, they built a life filled with love, travel, and devotion to family, raising two children, Michelle and Michael, in the Homefield section of Yonkers, and celebrating more than 62 years of marriage; and WHEREAS, A man deeply committed to public service, Bill Popoli served as treasurer of the Thornwood Lions Club for over 20 years, where he played a vital role in organizing community events such as Fall Foliage Day; he also volunteered at the Ossining Food Pantry and in the cafeteria at St. Theresa School, where his granddaughters attended; and WHEREAS, Bill Popoli's greatest joy was his family; he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose unconditional love and presence shaped the lives of his four cherished granddaughters: Allison, Julia, Kathryn, and Meaghan; and WHEREAS, Known for his warmth, generosity, and humor, Bill Popoli built strong friendships and left lasting impressions through his love of reading, old movies, music, and his famous Sunday gravy; and WHEREAS, Bill Popoli was predeceased by his beloved parents, Filomena and Adam Popoli; his sister Viola; and his cherished son Michael; he is survived by his loving wife, Grace; his daughter, Michelle (Robert); his brothers, Charles (Pam) and Adam; his sister-in-law, Carol; his granddaughters, Allison, Julia, Katie, and Meaghan; and many dear nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss him deeply; and WHEREAS, William Donald Popoli's life embodied the highest ideals of family, service, and community, and his legacy will endure in the lives of those he touched with kindness, dedication, and love; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of William Donald Popoli, and to express its deepest condolences to his family and friends; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of William Donald Popoli.