Obituaries

Dennis J. Popa

Photo of Dennis J. Popa
Dennis J. Popa, 61, of Little Rock, Arkansas, died Sunday, January 29, 2012, at Hospice Home Care, as a result of a motor vehicle accident and subsequent lengthy illness. He was born August 30, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, a son of the late Mike and Julia Popa. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Michael Popa. Denny was loved by everyone who met him, was a loving and faithful husband, and was well known for his sharp wit and dry sense of humor. He had the respect of his co-workers and clients in the funeral business for his thoughtfulness and handling of their individual needs. His strength in the face of many years of health issues was truly incredible. He was of the Catholic faith. He enjoyed golf, pet-sitting, euchre, playing and watching baseball—he was actually scouted in high school by the Detroit Tigers, along with his friend Daryl. His education included Our Lady Gate of Heaven Grade School, Detroit Cathedral High School, Wayne State University, with a Bachelors of Arts in Mortuary Science (he was singled out at graduation for 4-pointing the mortuary curriculum, something never before done in the history of the school). He was a former member of the Westland, Michigan, Rotary Club; a two-time bar owner-the Roz-Lee and The Bump Shop-and a Funeral Director for over 35 years. He is survived by his wife, Marla P. McClendon-Popa; his brother, Richard Popa and wife Tina of Hamburg Twp, Michigan; nephews, Michael Popa, Nicholas Popa, Cleve McClendon and wife Amie; his great-niece, Alannah; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Marceline and Bill McClendon; a brother-in-law, Van McClendon and friend, Carol Farmer. A visitation for Denny will be held from 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth. 501-661-9111. He will be taken home to Michigan where a Rosary will be held on Friday evening, and Funeral on Saturday at 10 a.m., at Vermeulen Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Glen Eden Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences and messages of comfort can be sent to Dennis' family at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com. The family requests memorials be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 N. Beauregard Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22311; the Arkansas Weimaraner Rescue, Attn: Hermine Wilkins, 1733 N. Crossover Road, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, arkansaswimrescue.org; Humane Society of Pulaski County, 14600 Col. Glenn Road, Little Rock, AR 72210; or the Little Rock Animal Village, Kramer Street Little Rock, Ark. 72204-7713.

Published January 31, 2012

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