Senate Resolution No. 1145
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of William Donald Popoli,
distinguished citizen and devoted family man
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifetimes of service,
dedication, and commitment significantly contributed to the quality of
life in their communities and throughout this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of William Donald Popoli of
Ossining, New York, who died on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the age of
86, surrounded by his beloved family after a courageous battle with
melanoma; and
WHEREAS, William "Bill" Popoli was born on November 8, 1938, in
Yonkers, New York, to Filomena and Adam Popoli, and was the third of
four children: Viola, Charles, and Adam; and
WHEREAS, Bill Popoli graduated from Commerce High School and proudly
served in the United States Navy, stationed in Bainbridge, Maryland;
Portsmouth, Virginia; and Great Lakes, Illinois-where he developed a
lifelong devotion to the Detroit Tigers; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his honorable military service, Bill
Popoli embarked on a 45-year career in banking, beginning at the County
Trust Company in Mount Vernon and later working with Bank of New York,
Dime Savings Bank, and Hudson Valley Bank, where he specialized in
outreach to churches, religious organizations, and legal institutions;
and
WHEREAS, In 1962, Bill Popoli married the love of his life, Grace,
whom he met on a blind date; together, they built a life filled with
love, travel, and devotion to family, raising two children, Michelle and
Michael, in the Homefield section of Yonkers, and celebrating more than
62 years of marriage; and
WHEREAS, A man deeply committed to public service, Bill Popoli
served as treasurer of the Thornwood Lions Club for over 20 years, where
he played a vital role in organizing community events such as Fall
Foliage Day; he also volunteered at the Ossining Food Pantry and in the
cafeteria at St. Theresa School, where his granddaughters attended; and
WHEREAS, Bill Popoli's greatest joy was his family; he was a devoted
husband, father, and grandfather, whose unconditional love and presence
shaped the lives of his four cherished granddaughters: Allison, Julia,
Kathryn, and Meaghan; and
WHEREAS, Known for his warmth, generosity, and humor, Bill Popoli
built strong friendships and left lasting impressions through his love
of reading, old movies, music, and his famous Sunday gravy; and
WHEREAS, Bill Popoli was predeceased by his beloved parents,
Filomena and Adam Popoli; his sister Viola; and his cherished son
Michael; he is survived by his loving wife, Grace; his daughter,
Michelle (Robert); his brothers, Charles (Pam) and Adam; his
sister-in-law, Carol; his granddaughters, Allison, Julia, Katie, and
Meaghan; and many dear nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss him
deeply; and
WHEREAS, William Donald Popoli's life embodied the highest ideals of
family, service, and community, and his legacy will endure in the lives
of those he touched with kindness, dedication, and love; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of William Donald Popoli, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family and friends; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of William Donald Popoli.
