Due to the virus pandemic of 2020 that required quarantining and social distancing, public services to celebrate Raymond's life during the year following his passing were postponed. A Memorial Liturgy is now scheduled to take place on SATURDAY, SEPT. 4, 2021, at St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church at 4:30 p.m. Because of continuing health concerns, a Mercy Meal for only VACCINATED friends and family will follow the Liturgy and will be at Antioch Hall.

Please see Raymond's full obituary below:

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YOUNGSTOWN - Raymond D. Popovich, 100, of the city's west side, passed away Monday afternoon, July 27, 2020, at Austinwoods Nursing Center after a long and fulfilling life.

Raymond was born Nov. 10, 1919, in Youngstown, and was a son of the late Nicholas and Anna Ellis Popovich. He graduated from Chaney High School and was a lifelong area resident.

Ray was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, proudly serving as a B17 gunner in the 15th Air Force Division that was stationed in Italy. He was part of the 15th Air Force's Swoosh Group Reunion.

Mr. Popovich worked for 35 years as a dispatcher on Stop 5 for Republic Steel on Poland Avenue.

He enjoyed golf, gardening, and the outdoors while taking his many walks. Mr. Popovich also enjoyed watching football and golf on television.

Ray was a member of St. Christine Church in Youngstown.

He leaves his wife of 70 years, Phyllis L. Ganofsky Popovich, whom he married July 1, 1950 at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Youngstown; six children, Susan (Gene) Drombetta of Moneta, Va., James Popovich of Newton Falls, Richard Popovich (Samie Winick) of Green Township, Nancy Hanna of Boardman, Janet Vankovich of Youngstown, and Jeanne (Chris) Hinote of Osawatomie, Kansas; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; a brother, Henry "Hank" Popovich of New Middletown; two sisters-in-law, Dee Horne and Bernadette Melnick; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A daughter-in-law, Shelia Popovich; a son-in-law, Joseph Hanna; and 13 siblings, Anne Gething, Mary Kosmo, Thomas Popovich, Edward Popovich, John Popovich, Joseph Popovich, Paul Popovich, Dorothy Ferkula, Frances Atwood, and four infant brothers, are deceased.

Private services took place in 2020 at Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown. Private committal with military honors was at Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown.

A Memorial Liturgy is now planned for Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, at 4:30 p.m., at St, Maron Maronite Catholic Church on S. Meridian Rd. in Youngstown. A Mercy Meal for vaccinated family and friends only with follow the liturgy.

Ray's family thanks the staff at Austinwoods, especially Kathleen, "T" (Tamarra), Brandi, and Jeremiah for the kindness shown and care given to him during his stay.