On September 14, 2026, Stephen Paul Popovec passed away peacefully in Towson, MD. He is the beloved son of the late Stephen Popovec and Dorothy Popovec (nee Pisula); devoted brother of Philip D. Popovec (Bonnie Richardson), William J. Popovec (Deborah), and Nancy J. Huntley; loving uncle of Michael Popovec (Brooke), Julie Popovec, Kevin Huntley (Lucy), and Michelle Santangelo (Michael).

Family and sports were everything to Steve.

Steve loved being around his nieces and nephews and their families, especially hearing about their sports activities, travel, and accomplishments. Holiday time was very special to him and he looked forward to getting together with everyone, and watching the younger children play and have fun. He also knew everyone's birthday by heart.

He was a 1965 graduate of Calvert Hall where he played football and baseball. He always talked about and was proud of the punt he blocked in the Turkey Bowl against Loyola that helped Calvert Hall go on to win the game. After graduation he never missed a Turkey Bowl until his health would not allow. He also was a big Baltimore Colts fan. Growing up and playing football in his younger years a neighbor, Don McCafferty, gave Steve a pair of high-top football shoes that John Unitas had actually worn. Steve then used them, wore them out, and then threw them away. We always laughed that he should have had them signed by Johnny U. then put on a shelf as a souvenir.

Having been born in Western Pennsylvania he was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and a follower of Penn State and University of Pittsburgh college football. Steve was a walking encyclopedia about college football players and could tell you off the top of his head where any major college player was from, height and weight, and what star rating they were. Years before the internet Steve had connections with the Pitt football recruiters and was an unpaid birddog for them. He would relay information about any local football players that Steve thought had the division one potential, so they would take a look at them. The Orioles and Ravens were also favorites for him.

The services and interment will be private.