John W. Popovich, Jr.

John W. Popovich, Jr., 62 years old, of Manahawkin, N.J. passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, March 12, 2023.  He was born in Trenton, N.J. on September 10, 1960. He resided in Beach Haven West with his wife, Donna. He was the owner/operator of John W. Popovich, Jr., Builders. John is predeceased by his parents, John W. Popovich, Sr. and step-mother, Edith Popovich.  John is survived by his wife, Donna L. Popovich, step-son, Steven Tucker and wife, Kim (nee) Allocco, grandson, Ozzie, step-sons, Jordan Tucker and Robert Tucker, mother-in-law, Nancy Cavalier, and many other family members and friends.

John’s start to his 40 years of building began at a very young age.  Over a short period of time, he had honed his skills to the level of expert craftsman even building his own home. John pursued his love of building when he established John W. Popovich, Jr. Builder.  John’s amazing talent will live on in many homes in Beach Haven West and beyond.

As a child John found his true-life passion in fishing. Winters were extra long for John as he waited for spring to arrive when he would immerse himself in his prized possessions, Got “EM” and Just Missed “EM” to head out to the open waters of the Barnegat Bay and Atlantic Ocean.  John’s knowledge of the waterways were vast.  His special fishing spots were somewhat a secret but shared with some of his favorite fishing buddies.  John’s love of fishing took him on many adventures including Australia where he reeled in a 15-foot Marlin, which hangs with pride in his home.  

The biggest catch of John’s life came when he met his future wife, Donna.  Donna and John dated and eventually married in January, 2014.  Their time together, although cut short by John’s illness, was filled with many happy memories.  John often proclaimed he was the luckiest man on earth as he had Donna as his wife. Donna was a constant support for John providing love, comfort, and encouragement until the very end.

Throughout life John’s four legged friends where his constant companions.  Nugget and Macy were often at his side and included in boat outings. Nugget was with John and stayed at his bedside during his last days.

Special thanks and much gratitude to the amazing staff at Southern Ocean Medical Center and Hackensack Meridian Hospital Oncology Unit.  The many doctors, nurses, aides, including therapy dog, Primo, were a blessing to John. Our family will be forever grateful for the compassionate care he received.  Our family would also like to thank friends and family for their constant support. A special thanks to Chip for his unwavering friendship.

In lieu of flowers, you may consider honoring John with a contribution to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org, or your favorite charity.

**In spite of challenges, no matter how daunting, difficult, or painful, John bravely pressed on**

A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023 from 4pm to 7pm with a time of remembrance, 6:45pm at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.