Robert M. Popowich "Bob", 58, of Clifton, passed away on April 16, 2026. Born in Jersey City, he lived in Belleville before moving to Clifton.

A parishioner of St. Andrew the Apostle RC Church, Clifton, Bob had worked for the FBI for 20 years before beginning a career in Education. Bob received his Bachelor's Degree in History from Seton Hall University and was a regular substitute teacher for the Clifton Board of Education at Christopher Columbus Middle School.  He truly loved this job and the students. Working at Christopher Columbus Middle School became his calling in life where he loved the staff and students.   He loved when students recognized him outside of school. His face would light up when he heard "Mr. Pop" called.

Bob had an engaging smile and was a happy person.  He was a gentle soul who touched the hearts of all around him.  He always asked others about their lives and made others feel important.  He was a sweet and gracious man.  Bob was proudest of his 2 daughters Faith and Chloe and their accomplishments.  He liked to tell others how special his daughters were.  He was a real "girl dad" who loved every minute of his life.

Bob was a kind and gentle soul.  He always saw the good side of things.  He enjoyed working with the Clifton Little Free Pantry Pantries Clifton Program, serving as a trustee and the keeper of the Pet Pantries. He loved that he was giving back and helping people and pets experiencing food insecurity.

Bob loved attending the Clifton City Council meetings.  After meetings he would spend hours discussing what happened with his wife, Donna, and what needed to be done to make Clifton, his adopted city, better.  Even though Bob was not originally from Clifton, he made Clifton his home and joined the community.

Bob enjoyed his last Yankee game with a WIN, so thank you New York Yankees!  He loved his Miami Dolphins and NY Giants.  He loved going to the beach as shown by his yearly vacations to Wildwood Crest and multiple shore day trips.  He loved reading the new James Patterson books, doing puzzle books and especially watching movies.  He frequently borrowed movies from the library and subscribed to many movie streaming services.  His love of horror movies often results in loud screams from his movies echoing through his home.

Beloved husband for 27 years of Donna (Carpinelli) Popowich. Devoted father of Faith and Chloe Popowich. Cherished nephew of Uncle Dan Popowich. Dear son-in-law of Dominick and Nina Carpinelli who he thought of as his own parents.  Dear brother-in-law of Joseph and Nicole Carpinelli, and John and Mary Carpinelli. Cherished uncle of many nieces and nephews  Joey Carpinelli and his fiancé Casey,   Katy Carpinelli and her partner Joe Stone,  Bean Carpinelli, Tommy Carpinelli, Maria Carpinelli and Tony Carpinelli.  He was loved by his devoted Shih Tzu Merry who loved to snack with him on peanuts throughout the day.

Visiting Monday, April 20, 2026, 4-8 PM at the Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. Funeral Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 8:45 AM at the funeral home and 10 AM at St. Andrew the Apostle RC Church, Clifton. Entombment, East Ridgelawn Cemetery, Clifton.