Steve S. Popovich, a resident of Colorado Springs since 1980, peacefully entered eternal life June 15, 2014 at Emeritus at Bear Creek. He was born February 21, 1932 in Monessen, Pennsylvania, the youngest son of John and Elizabeth (Martin) Popovich.
Steve served in the United States Air Force for four years during the Korean Conflict stationed in Okinawa. Following completing his orders in Okinawa, he returned to the Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana, where he met his future wife from Minnesota, who was an elementary teacher in the Great Falls school system. Steve and Beverly Thies were married July 31, 1954.
He attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He graduated on June 13, 1959, with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with a Mathematics minor. He was a member of Eta Kappa Nu and Tau Beta Pi and was a Western Electric Scholar.
As an electrical engineer, Steve was employed by Northrop Grumman in California; Control Data Corporation (CDC) in Minneapolis; Magnetic Peripherals International (MPI) in Michigan; Computer Peripherals International (CPI) in Pennsylvania; California Computer Products (CALCOMP) in California; CATAS in California; Storage Technology Corporation (STC) in Boulder, Colorado; Optical Peripherals Laboratory (OPL) in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Information Storage Inc. (ISI) in Colorado Springs; and Literal Corporation also in Colorado Springs. His career started as a Star Tracker in California and progressed to Founder, President, Chief Executive Officer; and Chairman of the Board of several Colorado companies.
Steve was recognized in Who’s Who in Technology Today in 1981 and 1986, Who’s Who in Electronics and Computer Sciences several years in the 1980s and 1990s, Who’s Who in the West in 1989 and 1990, Who’s Who in Etre, OPIO in 1991, and received a letter of invitation to visit China by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1992. He was a lifetime member of the Institute of Electronic Electrical Engineers (IEEE) and was also honored by Former Senator William L. Armstrong of Colorado, former Colorado Governor Roy Romer, and the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Steve retired in the early 1990s, after which he and his wife, Beverly, traveled extensively.
Surviving Steve are his beloved wife for nearly 60 years, “Bevy”; sons: Steve J. of Fort Collins, Colorado; Scott D. and his wife, Elizabeth, of California; and Todd T. and his wife, Brandi, of California. He is also survived by his three grandchildren who gave him so very much joy: Davis and Sophia (children of Scott and Elizabeth) and Riley (daughter of Todd and Brandi); sister-in-law, Rose Popovich; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made in Steve’s memory to Springs Rescue Mission (Colorado Springs), Steve’s favorite charity.