Louis J. Popiolkowski

Louis J. Popiolkowski age 89 of Canonsburg passed away peacefully at 3 am Friday, January 13, 2017 in Strabane Woods, South Strabane Twp.  Born September 1, 1927 in Canonsburg a son of the late John and Sophie Lucas Popiolkowski, he was a graduate of Canonsburg High School class of 1947 and attended the University of Pittsburgh on a senatorial scholarship, where he received a Bachelor’s of Education Degree. Mr. Popiolkowski had been employed in the Canon-McMillan school district for 39 years as a teacher, principle and assistant to the superintendent where he received the Canon McMillan Hall of Honor for Academia in 2014. He was a faithful member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church and proudly served with the United States Merchant Marines during World War II and in the 28th division of the National Guard during the Korean War. He was a member of the Jefferson College Historical Society, the Muse Independent Club and a life member of the White Eagles Society.                                                                                                                                                         Mr. Popiolkowski was a featured pianist and arranger with the Big Bands of Russ Romaro, Lee Barrett and Rio Richard and was leader of his own group Summer Winds for 10 years. He was involved with the Four Coins, Donnybrooks and Four Townsmen as well as many other groups by rehearsing and arranging music for them. He wrote and recorded original music that was produced by Calico Records and was a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. 

On November 11, 1951, He married his high school sweetheart Mary Lou Graytok, his loving wife of 52 years, who passed away February 17, 2012. Surviving are his three children; Gary (Lori) Popiolkowski and Louis (Lori) Popiolkowski both of Canonsburg and Lori (Rick Adametz) Popiolkowski of Houston, two grandchildren, Jennifer (Andrew) Weiss, Matthew (Alyson) Popiolkowski, three great grandchildren; Briley and Carter Weiss and Porter Popiolkowski, a sister Alfreda D’Amico of Canonsburg, a sister in law Margaret Popiolkowski, brother in law William (Lois) Graytok and several nieces and nephews.  Deceased in addition to his wife and parents are three brothers; Leon, Edward and Jerry “Harry” Popiolkowski and three sisters Agnes Gromacki, Rose Price and Loretta Witosky.

Friends are welcome from 6-8pm Saturday and from Noon- 3 and 6-8pm Sunday in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. Joseph P. Salandra owner/supervisor 304 West Pike Street Canonsburg 724-745-8120 where departing prayers will be recited at 9:30 am Monday January 16, 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am in St. Patrick Church 317 west Pike Street Canonsburg with entombment to follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Twp. Full military rites will be accorded by the VFW post 191 of Canonsburg Honor Guard. Christian Mothers will pray the rosary Sunday at 2pm.  To view or extent con www.salandrafunerals.com.