Selig Richard Popik

Selig Richard Popik passed away in Valhalla, NY, on September 4, 2017, at the age of 93. Selig lived in Spring Valley, NY, for over 80 years. The son of Philip and Sadie (Salzhauer) Popik, Selig graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1942. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving in World War II and then in the Korean Conflict. Following his return, Selig joined his father’s electrical contracting business, Lightmore Electric Company, which he built into a successful and well-respected enterprise. In 1952, he graduated from Rutgers University. He also did graduate work in business at NYU. Selig remained in the Air Force Reserves where he attained the rank of full Colonel. Although he was given a prestigious General’s slot, Selig eschewed the chance for another promotion and chose to retire from the Air Force in 1978.

In 1954, Selig met and married the love of his life, the former Lucille Rose Leventhal, of Nyack, NY, whom he adored for 62 years, until her death last year.

Selig is survived by his children, Andrea Popik Taber (Kenneth), Beth Popik (Robert Schwartz), Andrew Popik (Judy Friend), and Lisa Popik Coll (Arieh); by his grandchildren, Dr. Sarah Taber, Rebecca Taber, Steven, Chad and Brandon Popik, Jacob, Gabriel and Rachel Coll; and by his niece, Carole Popik Brailey and his nephew, Barry Popik. He was predeceased by his beloved brother, Sidney Popik.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 8, 2017, 11:00 AM, at Hellman Memorial Chapels, 15 State Street, Spring Valley, NY. Interment, with full military honors, will follow at the Workmen’s Circle Cemetery, Brick Church Road and Route 306, New Hempstead, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made in Selig’s memory to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD).