Oliver Lawrence Poppenberg, Sr.

Oliver Lawrence Poppenberg, Sr. passed away suddenly yet not unexpectedly on May 24, 2025, at the age of 88. For over a quarter of a century, he fought cardiomyopathy caused by a prescription drug interaction which killed hundreds of people and led to Propulsid being banned in the US. Ollie attributed his survivorship to competitive swimming in high school and college, which increased his heart capacity significantly and countered the effects of the disease. His doctors would always comment they did not understand how he had survived for so long while combating his condition.

Ollie was born in Buffalo to his parents Pearl and Arnold Poppenberg, Sr.. He was raised there with his brother Arnold Jr., recently deceased, as well as his sister Kathy (Kridel). For years, the family lived in the Wilcox Mansion which was the site of US President Theodore Roosevelt’s inauguration. Because of this, Ollie was an ardent fan of Teddy Roosevelt and would often share stories of what is now a National Historic site.

Ollie graduated from Bennett High School and continued his education at The Case Western Reserve University for his BS and The State University of New York for his MBA. He met his beloved wife, Mary Kay Pepe, at Crystal Beach, Ontario where Ollie was a lifeguard, only to discover they grew up within blocks of each other in Buffalo. Ollie and Mary Kay were married in 1961 and have four children: Oliver Jr. of Sewickley, Kate (Pigman) of Sewickley, Tricia (Genovese) of King of Prussia, and Karen Louise (Fay) of Newtown Square. He adored his children as well as his children-in-law (respectively): Janette, Paul, John and Erik. He also was so very proud of eight grandchildren: Olivia, Julia, Sophia, Emma, Jack, Ellie, Eva and Hanna, as well as his great granddaughter Poppy.

After marrying, Ollie and Mary Kay lived in Buffalo NY, then Franklin PA, next Mt. Lebanon PA, back to Franklin PA and finally settling in the Sewickley PA area in 1979. Ollie’s professional career focused on the emerging information technology industry. He implemented computing systems for many companies in western Pennsylvania including National Steel, Joy Manufacturing, Education Management, Conair, Eickhoff, and National Mine Service. Furthermore, he owned and operated several start-ups that specialized in computer “time-sharing,” which was the basis of what we know today as “cloud computing.” Additionally, Ollie was a US Navy Reservist and was assigned to optimizing steel production and was honorably discharged from the US Navy in 1968. Ollie was also an avid supporter of Mary Kay’s professional career which she developed at a time when women were just beginning to take on leadership roles in the workplace.

Outside of his own career and his family, Ollie dedicated much of his time to cooking, always treating loved ones to delicious meals in their home. He always saved scraps for the family dogs and occasionally prepared them their own steaks.

He also committed his time to another great love, his Alma Mater, Case Western, as well as his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He continued his dedication to both organizations as an active alum after graduating. The university recognized his achievements with the Clancy Service Award in 2022 and wrote the following of Ollie:

“For more than 60 years, Oliver Poppenberg has served his fellow alumni with creativity, generosity and tireless enthusiasm. His alumni work began in 1967 when Poppenberg sought to bridge the divide between graduates of Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University after their schools had become federated. He and a friend also created a program to connect alumni with prospective students and encourage high school seniors to enroll at CWRU.

Poppenberg spent decades as an officer of the CWRU Alumni Chapter in Pittsburgh and president of the Alumni Council which he helped to create as the precursor to today’s Alumni Association. He was a member of Case School of Engineering’s Visiting Committee and major gift committees. Poppenberg’s philanthropy includes gifts to the engineering school and the Linsalata Alumni Center for building and construction projects. He also gave support for his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, to secure a campus house and complete a major renovation.”

Most recently, Ollie was president of the Aleppo Township Board of Commissioners as well as an active volunteer and board member for the Pittsburgh Glass Center, Pittsburgh Musical Theatre, Three Rivers Rowing, as well as the Sewickley Village Garden Club. He also served on the technology committee of the Quaker Valley School District which was instrumental in being one of the first school districts in the country to issue computers to its students. Ollie belonged to many social clubs over the years including the Wanango Country Club, the Edgeworth Club, the Buffalo Canoe Club, and the Duquesne Club (big shout out to The Harrumph Society).

Ollie was a proficient sailor, skier and of course, swimmer. Ollie along with Mary Kay, was a world traveler who visited too many countries to list, making friends everywhere they went. Ollie was a gregarious man whose company will be deeply missed by his family, friends and so many other loved ones.

A viewing will be held at Copelands of Sewickley on Sunday afternoon, June 1st from 1 PM to 4 PM and a funeral service at St. James Church on Monday, June 2nd at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in his honor to any of the aforementioned organizations that are meaningful to you.

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