David M. Popowich

POPOWICH

David M., a Philadelphia native, died January 30, 2016 of complications of congestive heart failure. He was 85 years old and preceded in death only 9 weeks earlier by his beloved wife Lorraine. They were married for 59 years.
Mr. Popowich was born and raised in Phila., the second of 5 siblings. He attended Central High School, followed by Temple University, as did all his brothers and sisters.
He was an importer of watchbands and leather goods, growing a small family business into an international brand, selling to stores throughout the country from mass merchandisers to high end luxury jewelers. In the late 1950's, David had the entrepreneurial foresight to move all of his manufacturing to Hong Kong and Macau where he taught the Chinese how to produce watchbands. His given Chinese name translated to "young boy from Philadelphia". His company Regal Industries was the largest importer of watchbands in the country.
He retired in 1996, selling his company so that he could spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved travel, collecting art, philanthropy and his Jewish faith.
David is survived by his three children, Lisa Popowich (Jonathan Stein), Andrea Popowich Meislin (Robert) and Yale Popowich, MD (Tina Skouras). He is also survived by his adored grandchildren Rachel, Sophie, Ariel. Benjamin, Harry and Julian as well as his siblings Sylvia Pomerantz, Leonard Popowich, Cecilia Serling and Maury Popowich.
He was buried the morning of January 31st in a private ceremony at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Shiva will be observed at the home of his daughter Lisa Popowich, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings at 6:30 P.M. Donations may be made to The National Museum of American Jewish History http://www.nmajh.org.