Peter Edward Popit, age 71, of West Frankfort, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, January 15, at the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
Peter was born on June 17, 1951, in Waukegan, Illinois, to Edward Popit and Rose Kirn Popit. As the baby of his immediate and extended family, he was much loved by his three sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He attended St. Anastasia Elementary School in Waukegan and high school at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois. He attended the University of Notre Dame, where he majored in American Studies and graduated in 1973. This is where he met his future wife, Ellen Hanahue, who was a student at St. Mary’s College. He attended Southern Illinois University Law School and graduated in 1977. During that time, he served as a VISTA volunteer in the South Bronx from 1974 to 1975 and married Ellen in 1975.
Upon graduation from law school, Peter began to practice law in Franklin County, Illinois. He continued that work for over forty years with his partners Edwina Warner and Jeff Troutt. Besides being a lawyer and family man, he was an avid golfer and pinochle player as well as a devoted fan of the Fighting Irish. All these activities brought him lifelong friendships, and he was affectionately known as “Pete the Pie Man” by members of the West Frankfort Arts Council. Other hobbies included writing poetry, cooking, and watching old movies.
Peter was a deeply spiritual man with a knack of using his gifts to serve others. His contributions to St. John’s included serving as school board president while his children were in school. His seat of choice in church was always in the choir loft, so you could find him there singing with the rest of the group. He also took comfort in attending regular retreats at the White House Jesuit Retreat Center in St. Louis.
At work or at home, with family or friends, Peter was a gentle soul with a rascally side. He never was afraid to share words of wisdom with his children or patiently guide those with whom he worked. At the same time, he liked to tease his sisters mercilessly and participate in a good water gun fight.
Peter was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Ellen Hanahue Popit; his children, Ned Popit, Kevin and his wife Jocelyn Popit, and Mary Frances and her husband Luke Townsend; his siblings, Mary Elizabeth Popit, SHCJ, Patricia and her husband, Dr. Ronald Stanczak, and Kathleen Popit, SHCJ. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Anne Popit, Joseph Popit, and Patrick Townsend.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in West Frankfort, Illinois. Visitation will be held on January 27 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Union Funeral Home in West Frankfort, Illinois. Interment will be held at a later date at the Cedar Grove Cemetery on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. John the Baptist Church and Southern Illinois Healthcare Cancer Institute. Peter’s family wishes to thank the devoted healthcare professionals at the Siteman Cancer Center and the Southern Illinois Healthcare Cancer Institute.
