
Allen K "Pop” “Big Al" Popilowski, of New Milford CT, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2023 after a 6 month battle with illness , surrounded by those who loved him.
Allen was born in New Milford CT on September 20, 1955. He graduated from New Milford High School in 1974 and was an avid baseball player.
At the age of 23 he began his career servicing and installing oil burners starting with Lindstedt Oil Company, and later Layton Oil Company before eventually starting his own business, Pop's Burner Service, in 2015. Despite the physical challenges of the work, Allen found fulfillment in his career. He enjoyed being able to help and connect with his customers. Pop could often be located at his “satellite office”, Jo-Jo’s Deli before his retirement in 2022.
He grew up on the family’s dairy farm in New Milford and enjoyed competing in agricultural fairs showing cattle throughout his school years.
He played softball for the town mens league for many years and always enjoyed a good round of golf. He spent many years either coaching youth sports or cheering on the youth of the town. He was often seen on a baseball field or in a hockey rink and was his grandsons’ biggest fan. He was a passionate fan of both the Yankees, which brought him lots of joy over the years and the Jets, which brought a lot of heartache.
Al was known for his caring heart, his kind soul and his witty sense of humor. He was always trying to make others laugh even at the end of his life.
Allen is survived by his wife of 48 years,Bettina Olson; daughters Heather and her husband John Meyer Jr.; Merriah and her husband Paul (JR) Waters; Brittany Larson and son-in-law Frederick (Ricky) Larson; grandchildren Payton, Preston, Baker, Reese, Bailey and Charlotte; brother Chet (Bonnie);sister Louise Wheeler (Don); longtime best friend Bill Murphy; many wonderful and loving family members including cousins, nieces, nephews and his faithful, loving, furry companion Marley. Allen was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy McBath; father, Chester Popilowski; and sister, Heidi Popilowski.
Family and friends are invited to honor the life of Allen at calling hours on Friday, August 25th, from 4pm to 8pm, at Northville Baptist Church in New Milford. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 26th, at 11am, also at Northville Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Allen’s love of sports please consider a donation to CT Kings Baseball LLC. 4 Main St. New Milford, Ct 06776. A scholarship will be set up in his name that will be awarded to a High School Senior who is hardworking and a supportive teammate and exemplifies leadership on and off the field who is looking to attend college or a trade school.
Donations may also be made to the Northville Baptist Church, 9 Little Bear Hill Rd. New Milford, CT 06776 in Allen’s memory.
Tina,
Sorry to hear about Al. You have my sincerest sympathy. Good guy, as you know it was he I suggested to my customers to use for their heating needs when I retired. He was a nice person to work with at Linstedts.
Ed Knapp
Al always greeted me at jojos I always said hi to him
Tina and family:
So very sorry for your loss. I can remember as a kid playing ball with Allen and my brothers and they would always (because I was a girl) just go to first base weather I hit the ball or not. Always know that you have a wonderful Angel watching over all of you forever R.I.P Al
Al was a great all-round super person! May he rest in peace. He will be greatly missed by everyone!
One of the sweetest men I have ever been lucky enough to know. God Bless him and your beautiful family ❤️🙏