Joseph Poplowski

Joseph Poplowski of Aiken SC , formerly of Somerville NJ passed away October 12 at his home after a long illness. He was the son of the late Joseph and Genevieve (Jean) Poplowski of Sayreville NJ. He was a graduate of St. Peter’s High School in New Brunswick NJ where he was named Mr. Basketball 1960. He was a graduate of Mount Saint Mary’s University where he was a member of the history honor society. He received a Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies with highest distinction from Kean University. He taught at Immaculata High School in Somerville NJ for 8 years and Bernards High School Bernardsville NJ for 32 years and was an adjunct professor for many years at Kean University. He was the boys basketball coach at both high schools and was honored as Coach of the Year in 1975 and 1976. He also was an assistant to the boys basketball team at Somerville for 10 years. He was recognized as a Somerset County Teacher of the Year in 1995. He was inducted into the NJ Scholastic Coaches Hall of Fame in 2009.

Joe was at home in the classroom and his love, vitality and enthusiasm for his work inspired his students. Joe was an avid reader and still a student of current events, a “not awful” golfer and a storyteller extraordinaire. At the time of his death he was a member of Houndslake Country Club and the Golf Club at Cedar Creek. He was a communicant of St Mary Help of Christians in Aiken.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathleen (nee O’Brien) and two daughters,Kira of Santa Monica CA and Megan of Boston MA. Visiting hours from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, October 17 at the Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Ave., Somerville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30am on Monday, October 18 at the Immaculate Conception Church, 35 Mountain Ave., Somerville.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to : the Joseph Poplowski Memorial Basketball Scholarship Fund c/o Bernards High School, 25 Alcott Avenue,
Bernardsville NJ 07924