Donald J. Poplaski, Sr.

Mr. Donald J. Poplaski, Sr. age 87, of 47 Broadview Ter. Pittsfield died Wednesday, June 23, 2021 after a brief illness.
He was born in Nassau, NY on December 17, 1933, the son of the late Joseph and Blanche Zwiercan Poplaski. He was educated in the Dalton Schools. In 1953, Don enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and did his Basic Training in Camp Lejeune, NC. Following training, he was stationed in California where he worked on heavy equipment and he was honorably discharged on July 5, 1956.
He married the former Laura N. Talbot in 1955 at St. Agnes Church of Dalton. They were married for 61 years before her passing on June 25, 2016.
Based on the skills he gained from his time in the Service, Don held various auto mechanics jobs until he went to work for Vincent Trucking in 1965. He worked as a driver until his retirement.
He loved working on cars and could fix anything. He had a special passion for 1933 Fords and restored various models over the years.
A proclaimed "Jack of all trades and master of none," Don loved restoring his home and his camp in Maine. He also gave of these skills freely to both family and friends, as well as those in his neighborhood. He would come home from a day at work and continue on into the night, whether he was helping others or working on his own projects, you know he found enjoyment in the task. Don had a terrific sense of humor and found great enjoyment as a practical jokester.
He leaves his 4 sons, Donald J. Poplaski, Jr. and his wife, Beverly, of Greensboro, NC; Dennis Poplaski of Pittsfield; Dean Poplaski and his wife, Cathy, of Wilmington, NC; and Darryl Poplaski and his wife, Shelley, of Pittsfield. He also leaves nine grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, as well as two brothers, Larry Poplaski of Lake Havasu, AZ, and Eugene Poplaski and his wife Jane of Greer, SC.
He was predeceased by his son, Daniel, who died December 22, 1983, along with his brother, Joseph Poplaski, and sisters, Florence Catelotti, Allene Ferrell, Priscilla Paterson and Miriam McClune.
SERVICES: Calling hours for Mr. Poplaski will be held TUESDAY, June 29th from 10:30-12:30 at the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Church at 1PM celebrated by Rev. Steven Montesanti, Pastor. Burial with Military Honors will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to "Hospice Care in the Berkshires" and mailed to the funeral home at 40 Maplewood Ave. Pittsfield, MA 01201