Obituary of Eli Popovich

We sadly announce the passing of Eli, patriarch of the Popovich family, in his 90th year.

He will be forever missed by Nadia, his devoted wife of 57 years, who lovingly cared for him until the end. His daughter Nicole; his granddaughter Isabella Massey; his sisters Helen May and Cathy Thornhill; his brothers-in-law Ivo and Robert Ghione; his nephews Randy Vadnais and André Ghione; his nieces Debbie Sumner, Bonnie Poliquin, Lisa Ghione, Yvette Ghione, Mecca Thornhill and Kristine Powers. He also leaves behind extended family and friends in Canada, the United States, Italy and Montenegro.

Eli was predeceased by his parents Jovo and Ika; his son John; his sister Violet Vadnais; his brother Bronko; his in-laws Giovanni and Flora Ghione, and his nephews, Peter Thornhill and Christopher Ghione.

Born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario in 1935, he was one of five children and a proud member of the Serbian community that immigrated to the area from Montenegro, later settling in Windsor, Ontario in the Drouillard Road neighbourhood.

Though his beginnings were humble, Eli knew from an early age that he wanted to become a successful businessman, using higher education, keen ambition and a thirst for knowledge to raise his family out of poverty.

As a young student, he worked at the legendary Elmwood Casino to pay for night school at the University of Detroit, earning a degree in business. He was the first person in his family to graduate from university, setting a standard of educational achievement and excellence for his children to follow.

Eli started his career in the mutual fund department of Bongard, Leslie and Co., and its successor firms, and quickly rose through the ranks. He became a successful stockbroker and financial manager.

He was proud to mentor and support young professionals, and dedicated himself to building wealth for countless families who entrusted him with their investments and relied on him for peace of mind. A highlight of his 46-year career was being appointed as a Vice-president and Director.

But there was more to Eli than work. He was a lover of all sports. He was also a certified professional Canadian/American ski instructor for 60 years. And, as fate would have it, his passion for the slopes would lead to a much different love story when he had a chance encounter with a young woman named Nadia Ghione at the Windsor Ski Club in 1966.

For Eli, it was love at first sight. They were married in 1967 and would be later blessed with the birth of their daughter Nicole, and son John. Eli and Nadia would become a formidable team and create a true partnership.

In his retirement, Eli enjoyed golfing, skiing, his annual trips to Italy with Nadia, and spending time with those he loved. He remained a trusted adviser to his extended family and friends, who continued to seek his counsel.

He was a curious and voracious reader, devouring four newspapers a day. And part of that ritual was reading the stock market reports, just as he’d done from those early days of his youth, when he was dreaming of a future in finance - knowing that dreams could come true with hard work and perseverance.

Eli will be remembered for his generosity, patience and quiet confidence. His was a life well lived, filled with purpose, love, and achievement.

Visitation will be held at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home at 1700 Tecumseh Road East on September 27, 2024 from 2:30 p.m. - 6 p.m, with prayers at 5:30 p.m. The funeral will take place at Gračanica Serbian Orthodox Church at 1960 Meldrum Road on September 28, 2024, at 10 a.m.

The family thanks Dr. David Scarfone, the community of The Village of St. Clair, the seventh floor team of Metropolitan Hospital and the palliative care team at Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare.

In memoriam, donations may be made to Gračanica Serbian Orthodox Church, The Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County or The Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Foundation (palliative care).