Vincent Popolizio, Jr.

Vincent Popolizio, Jr., 84, Passed away peacefully on Friday July 12, 2024, after a complicated battle with cancer. Born on July 7,1940 in Schenectady, New York to Vincent M. Popolizio and Jennie Sifo. Brother to Margaret Ann Pratt and George Preston, both deceased. Graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1958, Orange County Community College in 1960 and Upper Iowa University in 1963. Vincent also received graduate hours from the National College of Education, University of Illinois, and Northern Illinois University.

Vincent taught English and speech at Franklin Junior High in Aurora, IL from 1963 to 1966 then returned to New York to teach at Burnt Hills Ballston Lake Junior High from 1966-1968. There, he married the love of his life, Marcia (Liebundguth) Popolizio in August 1967 and they returned to Illinois where he taught at Washington Middle School and West Aurora High School from 1968 until his retirement in 1993. In his 31 years of service to students in the Aurora Public Schools, Vincent taught English, speech, and drama along with serving as the mentor and sponsor for the Drama Club, Yearbook, and the Junior Prom. He served on many committees in his tenure and was proud to be an administrator for K-12 Language Arts. Upon his retirement in 1993, Vincent accepted a position at Aurora University as an instructor in the Department of Education where he directed the student teaching program. He was also the acting Administrator for the campus elementary school.

Vincent had many passions in life; he excelled at the trumpet throughout his early life, taking lessons at the Julliard School in New York City, playing with local polka bands, and went on to receive a degree in music and musical theater in Iowa. His musical expertise also extended to the piano where he played almost every day and took lessons throughout his life. His creativity poured over into his hobbies as well. Vincent loved to paint ceramics as well as create beautiful silk flower arrangements. He started a small business where he created flower arrangements for weddings, local businesses, and personal commissions. Vincent was also a member of St. Elizabeth Seaton Church in Naperville and St. Mary Immaculate in Plainfield.

Vincent is survived by his daughter Kristin Popolizio Emerson, his son-in-law, Stephen Emerson, his granddaughters, Alexa and Mia Emerson, his god-daughter Mary Beth Beckman and his niece and numerous cousins. He is also survived by his dear friends Dennis and Donna Goodlet, Paul and Karen Betzwiser, Conrad Newhouse, and Ken Ruffalo.

Preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Marcia, his brother-in-law Robert Pratt, his cousin, Santina Salamone and his aunt Josephine Sifo.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Vince’s memory to the West Aurora High School Drama Club 1201 W New York Street Aurora, IL. 60506 Attn: Ken Rufallo or go to sd129.revtrak.net/hs-watheatre

The Visitation will be held on Friday July 19, 2024, from 9 AM to 11 AM with a Funeral Service at 11 AM, at Overman Jones Funeral Home, 15219 Joliet Rd, Plainfield, IL 60544.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday July 25th at 9 AM at St. Luke's Church, 1241 State St. Schenectady, followed by burial at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 2501 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Niskayuna, NY 12309.