Popy, Stephen Michael “Mike” Age 94; of Northport and Traverse City; formerly of Melvindale and Allen Park; passed away November 25, 2016 at Boardman Lake Glens Assisted Living. Mike was born on September 22, 1922 to the late Daniel and Bessie (Pello) Popy in Highland Park, Michigan. He was also preceded in death by his sister Agnes and brothers George, Pete and Frank. He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1940. Mike enlisted in the U.S.
Army Air Force in
World War II and was a P51 Mustang pilot and flight leader in the Eighth Air Force, 361st Fighter Group, 374th Fighter Squadron. He was a flight commander in charge of eight pilots, and a section leader and squadron leader on many missions. During his service he was awarded the Air Medal with one silver oak leaf cluster and six bronze oak leaf clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon with four bronze battle stars. Mike married Shirley J. McCormick from Melvindale on November 6, 1948, and enjoyed 55 years of marriage until her death in 2004. They lived in Melvindale and Allen Park and in later years Northport and Traverse City with winters spent in Mesa AZ. Mike was a member of and served on the Board of Deacons at the Allen Park Presbyterian Church from 1959-1962. He also served as an usher. As a photographer he took many confirmation class and choir photos for church. Mike retired from the Chrysler Corporation in Highland Park in 1980 with 33 years of service. After retiring he worked as a file clerk for the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and a fiscal assistant for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, retiring in 1991. Mike is survived by his three daughters: Karen (Arthur) Bucki of Brighton, MI, Susan (Gary) McMahen of Indianapolis, IN, and Cheryl (Mike) Blevins of Trenton, MI. Three grandchildren: Jennifer (Donnie) Schrader of Scottsdale AZ, Justin Bucki of Royal Oak, and Austin Blevins of Trenton MI. Cremation and burial have taken place in Northport, with Martinson Funeral Home handling arrangements. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held next summer in Northport. Memorial contributions may be directed to Munson Hospice, 1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49682 or the Allen Park Presbyterian Church, 7101 Park Avenue, Allen Park, MI 48101. Condolences may be sent to the family in care of: Susan McMahen, 8168 Penn Place, Indianapolis, IN 46250. Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau. Please share condolences with Stephen’s family at
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