Obituary of Joseph Joe Popple
Joseph “Joe” Popple, age 90, of Leesburg, VA, passed away peacefully at Capital Caring’s beautiful Adler Hospice Center on May 25, 2025.
Joe was the last of six children born to Alexander Popple and Josephine Colarusso Popple, on January 18, 1935. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Anthony, Phyllis, Ida, and Mary. Even though Joe had the fortune of being well-traveled, and enjoyed several lovely homes during his lifetime, the house at 327 Philadelphia Avenue, West Pittston, PA was always “home” to Joe.
While serving in the U.S. Navy, Joe married his beloved wife, Judy Gommer, also a Wilkes graduate, on May 24, 1958. Joe and Judy left their small Pennsylvania hometowns of West Pittston and Forty-Fort, and settled near Washington D.C. They raised their family in Vienna and Oakton, VA and together, they shared 67 years of marriage filled with love, partnership, and Family.
Joe earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Wilkes College and a Master of Public Administration from George Washington University. He proudly served his country as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1959, following his graduation from the Navy Supply Corps School. Following his military service, Joe began a distinguished career in civil service in 1960. He served for many years as the Deputy Comptroller of the U.S. Air Force and achieved SES status. Joe earned the Meritorious Executive Award from President Ronald Reagan in the 1980’s and retired from civil service in 1990. Joe then founded JP Associates, Inc. in 1995. One of JPA’s crowning achievements was the development and deployment of the Commanders' Resource Integration System (CRIS), a vital tool in use across the Air Force to this day.
Above all else, Joe loved his family. He delighted in the simple joys of life—cheering on his favorite football teams, savoring a pot of sauce and a side dish of meatballs, enjoying a cold beer, and, on occasion, a fine scotch. But perhaps what friends and loved ones will remember most is his booming laugh — a sound that could fill a room and lift every spirit in it and his big, warm smile. Joe had a gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and loved. Joe engaged with absolutely everyone he met and was a friend to all. Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Judy; his two adoring daughters, Holly and Kimberly (Michael); two cherished grandchildren, Meagan and Chad; his step-granddaughter Nicole Carren Hill (Andrew) and two beautiful great-granddaughters, Reilly Moore Hill and Reese Carren Hill, of Atlanta, GA, and his beloved sister, Helen P. Battle, age 99, of West Pittston, PA.
A memorial service will be held at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Leesburg, VA, on June 14th at 1 p.m. to celebrate Joe’s life and honor his legacy of service to his Country and his love of people. All attendees are asked to wear Joe’s favorite color blue. Inurnment at St. James’ columbarium will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers please donate to Capital Caring Health, The Adler Center for Caring, Falls Church VA.
Local arrangments are by the Howell-Lussi Funeral Home Inc., West Pittston.
