John Eugene Popovich Jr.

John Eugene Popovich, Jr., 93, Cary, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, with his family by his side. Born on April 20, 1932, to John Eugene Popovich and Agnes Genieve (Markovich) Popovich, John lived a life marked by extensive travel throughout the world, hard work, a tremendous sense of humor and devotion to his family. John was married to his beloved wife, Mafalda “Mafi” Haydee Popovich for 57 years. Their enduring partnership was a testament to his devotion and love. He is survived by his wife, son, Mark Conrad Popovich (LuAnn), daughter, Nicole Marie Popovich (Daniel), grandson, Alexander Conrad Popovich, granddaughters’, Caitlyn Brianna Bunch (Tyler), Camryn Jaye Delosreyes (Alexia), great grandsons, Ryder and Bryer Bunch, sister, Jane Ortiz, nephew, Jason Ortiz. John’s long career began when in enlisted in the United States Army in 1952, at the height of the Korean War and attended the Army Language School in Monterey, California, where he studied the Russian language for 46 weeks. He subsequently spent the next two years in Japan. Upon his return to the U.S., John attained a Bachelor of Science in History from the University of San Francisco in 1958. Following his military service, John began his work for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) until his retirement in 1993. He worked in various administrative positions, including as a General Services Officer, a Field Support Officer, and an Executive Officer. He concluded his career as an Assistant Inspector General for Resource Management in the Office of the Inspector General and retired with the rank of Minister Counselor in Senior Foreign Service. During his time with USAID, John had foreign assignments that took him and his family to the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Yemen, Egypt and Panama. A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Wake Funeral and Cremation Services, 7002 Green Hope School Rd, Cary, North Carolina 27519 and is open to all wish to pay their respects. A private burial will follow. A celebration of life event will be held at Waltonwood Senior Living at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in John’s name be sent to Saint Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Apex, North Carolina.

John Eugene Popovich Jr.

April 20, 1932 - July 24, 2025