ASHTABULA — Robert Andrew Poploske, age 41, of Ashtabula, Ohio, died unexpectedly, Saturday, July 14, 2012, at the Cleveland Clinic after a courageous battle with kidney disease.
The son of Andrew and Loretta (Wagner) Poploske, he was born on June 25, 1971, in Cleveland, Ohio. Rob was a graduate of Eastlake North High School and Lakeland College where he received an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, graduating with honors.
He was a twenty-five year employee of his family owned firm; City Auto Parts. If you needed to know where anything was located you just had to ask. Rob knew where everything was.
On November 8, 1997, he married his wife, Joelle Gabrich, and together they celebrated fourteen years of marriage.
Rob was a perfectionist; from working in his yard to keeping his home and cars clean, he enjoyed doing it all. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed playing soccer and softball. He came to love the Pittsburgh Steelers much to the dismay of his family who are die hard Browns fans. He loved to tease and joke around; he had a razor sharp sense of humor and you had to listen closely to catch the punch line. He loved to tease his sisters, Tina and Andrea, while on family vacations as children. Rob has been described as “lovingly annoying”, but at the same time another description is kind, generous, protective of his family and friends, and willing to help those less fortunate than himself.
His favorite holiday was Christmas. He received much enjoyment and satisfaction in decorating his home. He was very precise on how the lights had to be hung; making sure each light faced the same direction; (again-lovingly annoying). He treasured his yearly spring vacation trips to Sanibel Island with Joelle, Hannah and Cohen. These memories will be etched in his heart forever.
Fourteen years ago, Rob was a recipient of a kidney transplant from his mother. He looked at everyday as a gift and to live each day to the fullest. For those who knew Rob, he did just that. Rob was an uncommon man, a beloved husband, dad, son, brother and friend. His never give up attitude, his strength when facing adversity, and his love for his family will always be remembered.
Rob is survived by his beloved wife, Joelle; their children, Hannah and Cohen; his parents, Loretta Poploske of Eastlake; his father, Andrew Poploske and his companion, Michelle Lograsso, of Willowick; his sisters, Christine (Henry) Barker of Wickliffe and Andrea (Tom) McNamara of Eastlake; brothers-in-law, Terry (Sharon) Gabrich of Gahanna, Daniel (Amy) Gabrich of Washington, N.J., and Matt (Rebecca) Gabrich of Grove City; father-in-law, Robert Gabrich of Ashtabula; and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Laurene Gabrich; his maternal grandparents, Robert and Julia Wagner; and paternal grandparents, Andrew and Dorothy Poploske.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 19th, at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Mother of Sorrows Worship Site, 1464 West 6th St., Ashtabula, with the Rev. Fr. Raymond Thomas presiding. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Ashtabula, Ohio.
Calling Hours will be observed from 4 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18th, at the ZABACK-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula, Ohio.
If desired, contributions in Rob’s name may be made to his family.
ZABACK-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula, is in charge of arrangements. Obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com and starbeacon.com.
