NORTH GROSVENORDALE, CT – Joseph R. “Joe P” Poplawski, 81, died Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Webster Manor after an illness.
He leaves his wife of 58 years, Gloria J. (Anderson) Poplawski, 3 sons, David J. “Joe P” and his wife Karen Poplawski of Thompson, Keith M. Poplawski of Webster and, Kenneth S. Poplawski and his wife Beth of North Grosvenordale; 7 grandchildren, Joseph Poplawski, Jonathan Poplawski, Jordyn Poplawski, Elizabeth Poplawski, Nina Poplawski, McKenna Coderre and Kyle Wilson; 2 brothers, Richard P. Poplawski, and John J. Poplawski, both of Webster; several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his beloved dogs Junior and Tasha.
He was born in Webster on June 14, 1943, a son of Joseph and Phyllis (Grocki) Poplawski and was a 1961 graduate of Bartlett Vocational High School.
Mr. Poplawski was a United States Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. He served aboard the USS Enterprise CVN 65, the world’s first nuclear powered aircraft carrier. Joe P was a flight deck crewman for fighter jets.
He first worked as an auto mechanic at Bayer Motors in Dudley, MA, then as a heavy equipment operator for the Town of Webster, MA Highway Department for 37 years. While living in Florida Joe P worked at Walt Disney World as a monorail pilot, a greeter and as a character attendant for 11 years. Joe and Gloria returned to Massachusetts as snowbirds each summer, which led to seasonal camping at Indian Ranch. It was there that Joe P was a parking attendant and met countless music acts over his 10 years. From Charlie Daniels to David Allen Coe each knew Joe P and could not wait to catch up with them each year when the tour came back to Webster.
Mr. Poplawski was a member of Saint Joseph Basilica graduating from grammar school there. In his youth he was a member of the Jerricho Wanderer’s Car Club in Webster and Dudley. Joe P enjoyed cooking, working outdoors and collecting old cars including his 32’ 3 window Ford, his 48’ Ford Super Deluxe, and finally his 53’ Ford Sunliner convertible.
On the outside Joe P was tough as the construction equipment he operated. On the inside he was kind, compassionate and dedicated. If you asked him what he was proud of, he would tell you it was his family. He stood by Mom through many medical and physical challenges. He always worried that she would be taken care of and be safe. Dad, we got her, don’t worry!
Joe P loved to tell stories of his boys and what they were doing for work or building. His greatest joy and most treasured moments were to be found in the time he spent working on projects with them. As the family expanded, Joe P loved attending baseball games, dance recitals, and horse shows of his grandchildren.
Dad made friends wherever he went and could not wait to tell us who they were and what they were all about.
The terrible disease we know as dementia tried to take all of Dad’s memory, but in the end, he could still share and recall a few good times. Unfortunately, his body could not keep up the fight, and the person who in November it took 3 EMT’s to hold down, four short months later could not swallow or eat and ultimately went on to see our Lord and Savior.
The family would like to thank the dedicated nurses from Webster Manor 3rd Floor as well as Katrina and Danielle. Dad could be challenging because of his disease, but they stood by him and provided him with care and compassion right up until 5-24.
A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 2, at 11:00 AM in Saint Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb Street, Webster, MA (please meet at church). The burial with military honors will be in Saint Joseph Garden of Peace Cemetery, Webster, MA. The family requests donations in Joe P’s memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster, MA 01570.