Dr. Joel Popkin

Dr. Joel Popkin, a distinguished economist and devoted family man who exemplified how to be a good person and productive member of society, passed away from complications related to Parkinson’s disease in Abington, Pennsylvania, on December 24, surrounded by family. He was 92 years old.

Born on July 6, 1932, to Nathaniel Robert and Betty (Finkle) Popkin in Trenton, New Jersey, Joel’s remarkable journey began at the Wharton School, where he earned a B.S. in economics and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. After serving as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Joel returned to the University of Pennsylvania to obtain a Ph.D. in economics. He then embarked on a career in public service. He held several prominent government roles, including Assistant Commissioner for Prices and Living Conditions at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, where he was charged with the compilation and publication of the Consumer (CPI) and Producer (PPI) Price Indexes. He also held a position with the President's Council of Economic Advisers and served as director of the Washington Office of the National Bureau of Economic Research, among other roles.

In 1978, Joel founded Joel Popkin and Company, an economic consulting firm specializing in labor and manufacturing research. The demand for his expertise found him traveling extensively abroad, testifying before Presidential Commissions at home, and being interviewed by a host of news outlets, which gave his family the treat of seeing him on TV numerous times over the years. Joel led his highly regarded company with distinction until his retirement. He also received numerous accolades during his career, including the Julius Shiskin Award for his contributions to the field of economic statistics. He gave accolades, as well, establishing the Joel Popkin Graduate Student Teaching Prize in Economics at the University of Pennsylvania.

Joel’s passions extended far beyond his professional achievements. He was known for many things, including his love for his family, his sage advice and generosity, as well as strong squash and tennis games, a fondness for opera, and a humorous lack of knowledge about pop culture. A voracious reader, he enjoyed everything from economic scholarship to military history. Joel loved traveling as well, touring Asia and Europe—even living in Paris for six months—with his beloved wife of 56 years, Betsy. He also took his family on many memorable vacations, including to the American Southwest, Alaska, Florida, and Maine. Joel was a proud member of the Cosmos Club and of UPenn’s Friars Senior Society. A resident of Bethesda, Maryland, for nearly 50 years, he was a devoted fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Washington’s NFL team.

In recent years, Joel and Betsy lived near Philadelphia to be closer to their daughter, Sara (Andrew Douglas), and their grandson Holden, with whom Joel cherished playing chess. Joel is also survived by his son, Neil (Kimberly); granddaughter, Leah, with whom Joel loved going on walks; his brother, Dr. I. David Popkin (Joan); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joel’s legacy as a scholar, mentor, and exceptional husband, father, and grandfather will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was much loved and will be deeply missed. Donations in his memory can be made to Doctors Without Borders or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Burial at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery will be private. A celebration of Joel’s life will be held at a later date. Shiva will be held on Thursday, January 2, from 4:30-7 PM, in the Sun and Social Room at Rydal Park in Jenkintown. The service will be from 6-6:30. If you would like to join us, please allow a little extra time for parking. 

Arrangements made by Joseph Levine & Sons - Blue Bell 

www.levinefuneral.com