Gabriel Popper

Gabriel A. Popper, 87, of Pennington, NJ, passed away at Greenwood House in Ewing, NJ, on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. 

Born in Budapest, Hungary, to George and Gabrielle Popper, Poppy, as he was lovingly called, emigrated to the United States through Cuba, arriving in New York City on November 18, 1941. He graduated from Regis High School in 1950, graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1955, and he spent his professional career as a Chemical Engineer.

Gabe married Honora (Nora) Hamm, the love of his life, on May 2, 1959, and they had five children, Judith Popper Williamson, Michael (Jennifer) Popper, who predeceased him, Anne Popper, Nicholas (Cathy) Popper, Mary (Andrew) Downie; and sibling Charles (Christine) Popper. He adored his grandchildren, Jessica (Matt) Williamson, Jason Williamson, Kayla Popper, Kelsey Downie, and Kyle Downie, as well as his nieces and nephews.  He and Nora were very involved as members of the Catholic Churches where they lived, both in Edison, NJ, and later in Marlton, NJ.

Every person who met Gabe was a better person for it; he was a smart, funny, genuine and caring man, and he was inclusive of everyone.  He gave the biggest hugs, loved birding and opera, loved dogs and football, and was fortunate to travel the world; but most of all, he loved his wife, his family, and his friends.

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic,a Memorial Mass to celebrate Gabe’s glorious life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gabe’s name to either:

the Colorectal Cancer Alliance https://www.ccalliance.org/

or, the National Audubon society https://www.audubon.org/

12 thoughts on “Gabriel Popper

  1. Audrey Alexander Nolte

    Gabe brought some much joy to our family, especially to my parents Ed & Miriam Alexander. I will always remember his warm smile & sense of humor. RIP dear friend.❤️

  2. Justine

    Knew Gabe and his family since Nora and I were professional colleagues as well as close friends. He always seemed a happy, satisfied individual willing to share with everyone. I am sorry to hear of his passing and will remember him in my prayers. If I can help Nora in any way, please feel free to call.

  3. Mary Ott

    Sorry to hear of Gabe’s passing. He was aGreat person. I knew him through Nora who was my classmate from Georgetown. My prayers and sympathies are with Nora and all the family.

  4. Tina Bortner

    Dear Gabe….please rest in eternal peace. Your hospitality when I would visit dear, sweet Nora was sincere and genuine. I can honestly say that your iced cappuccinos were the best I ever had. Great coffee with even greater company…what a combination that I hold dear to my heart. Sweet Nora…I am praying for you and your family. Please take care of yourself and know how much I love you. We had some wonderful times doing community outreach at Lourdes….memories I hold tightly in my heart….XOXO

  5. Ann& Bud Heiss

    Nora and family. so very sorry to hear about Gabe,s death I remember good times with you both at work and fun times. condolences to all of your family.

  6. Carolyn and Neil DeCicco

    Especial love to you, Nora, your children, and grandchildren on the loss of your beloved, Gabe.
    Gabe has been a part of our lives for over 35 years. He always greeted us with broad smiles, huge bear hugs, and “nothing is too much to ask for” demeanor.
    Nora, you prepared many special dishes, so that Gabe and I could lovingly share our Hungarian heritage together! Rest in heavenly peace, our Magyar friend!

  7. Cheryl Nagy

    My deepest sympathies to you Nora and your children on the loss of your husband and father of your children. I know he will be missed ,but I treasure the times we hiked together and shared the beauty of God’s country. May he rest in peace and God’s comfort be with you all.

  8. Paula Moore

    Aunt Harry, Nick, Mary, Judy and Ann,
    My heart is heavy in hearing about Uncle Gabe’s passing. He and all of you have been a wonderful part of my life since the day I was born! I have always loved the special connection we’ve shared. Uncle Gabe was a wonderful man, always gentle and kind with a wonderful sense of humor and a great laugh that was contagious. I’ll never forget the love I always felt when I was in the midst of your family. So many wonderful memories! I love you all and am praying for you.

  9. Carolyn and Paul Buckelew

    Nora we were sorrowed today to hear of Gabe’s passing. He always had a smile when we met over the years. ..especially when you both moved into the house you built. It was good to see you both at one of the retirement dinners that faculty and staff set up every couple of months. He felt it was important to get you to the luncheon an proudly shared in it with you. Your love of each other was very evident with this caring man.

  10. Michele (Hamm) Hagel

    Aunt Harry, Nick, Judy, Mary, and Annie,
    I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Gabe! My heart and prayers go out to all of you as you deal with this tremendous loss. I will always remember Uncle Gabe’s infectious laughter and his hearty hugs! I always loved our big family get-togethers at the farm! He was so much fun! You will be in my thoughts!

  11. Tim Hamm

    Aunt Harry, Nick, Judy, Mary & Annie – I am so sorry for your loss. Always loved our get togethers at the farm. I can still hear Uncle Gabe’s hearty laugh – one of my clearest memories of those gatherings. You will all be in my thoughts.

  12. Françoise BEMBINOFF-ROBLIN

    Françoise ROBLIN from Dreux

    I am so sorry to learn this sad news. I remember Gabe, in 2005 when we travelled in Evesham, so nice, so friendly and so cheerful. On my behalf and on behalf of the Evesham section of the Twinning Committee, I present to you and to your family our sincere condolences.

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