Nestor Popil

Nestor Popil, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, integrity, and quiet kindness. He was born on March 4, 1941, in Goslar, Germany, to Olga (Vizniak) and John Popil, who were fleeing Poland (now Ukraine) at the time. After the war, the Popil family emigrated to the United States, settling first in Cranbury, New Jersey, and later in Somerset, where they built their own home and their new life together.

Nestor graduated from St. Peter’s High School in New Brunswick in 1960. Known affectionately as “Nest,” he was remembered for his even disposition and his fondness for keeping the rugs in his 1956 Chevy just so. He ran track and sang in the Glee Club.

In 1964, Nestor earned a B.A. in History from Kansas University, beginning a lifelong devotion to Kansas Jayhawks. He then spent a year in Polynesia as a Peace Corps volunteer, an experience that shaped his worldview and remained one of his proudest achievements. Upon returning home, he entered the insurance field—a career he discovered by chance but excelled at through his natural aptitude for numbers.

Nestor lived for a time in Manhattan’s Ukrainian Village, in an apartment above McSorley’s Ale House. He delighted in the energy of the city and especially loved attending live rock ’n’ roll shows during the 1960s and ’70s. Though he faced the early loss of his father to a tragic accident, Nestor remained a devoted son, supporting his mother throughout her life with steadfast love.

He was a man of simple joys and steady habits—arriving early to work, doting on animals, savoring Italian food, and driving red cars. In the early 1990s, his life was transformed when he met Maria, his devoted spouse. Through Maria, Nestor also became a stepfather to her ten-year-old daughter, Svetlana. He took pride in supporting Svetlana’s education and Maria’s career pursuits, embracing his family with warmth and sincerity.

Nestor will be remembered as a unique soul—honest to himself and to others, gentle in spirit, and unwaveringly authentic. His presence enriched the lives of all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a viewing on Saturday, November 29, 2025 between the hours of 2 pm and 4 pm at the Jaqui-Kuhn Funeral Home, 17 S. Adelaide Avenue, Highland Park, New Jersey. Fr. Vasyl Shak will perform a religious service at 2 pm. Parking is available immediately behind the funeral home or on S. Adelaide Avenue.

In his memory, please consider donating to the following charity offering psychological assistance to the children of Ukraine: https://voices.org.ua/en

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