The Youngstown Catholic Diocese is remembering a beloved priest who passed away Sunday.

Those who knew Father Stephen Popovich describe him as a one-of-a-kind man who was always devoted to his faith. With several ties to the Mahoning Valley, 21 News spoke with those who knew him well as they grieved the loss of the religious figure.

"He liked to have fun, but when it came to his calling, he was the most amazing priest that any of us ever knew," explained Kathy Bolash, former parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.

Father Stephen Popovich wasn't your average priest. "Talking to a priest, there wasn't that stigma between you and him that you had to act a certain way or be a certain way," explained Jessica Simon with Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. "He was so relatable and just very down to earth."

Popovich was ordained in 1981, teaching the faith at parishes, including St. James in Warren, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Austintown, and St. Paul's in New Middletown. He was even an assistant principal at Cardinal Mooney.

"In these last 42 years, whether he had the opportunity to serve the Diocese in a parish or a school, Father Popovich truly lived the gospel message," said Msgr. John Zuraw with the Youngstown Catholic Diocese.

"I admired how he connected with his congregation. Not only on a spiritual standpoint but just on a human-to-human basis," explained Valerie Hegedus with Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. "You could talk to him like a normal person. It was motivational knowing him."

"He had a way of making you feel welcome and never judged," Simon added. "And just made you feel like you were the only person in the room."

His serious auto accident in 2013 paralyzed him from the waist down, but that didn't stop him. He continued to minister and celebrate mass at various parishes until his death.

"I can hear him saying, 'As long as you got God, you can do it," Hegedus said. "He was a break-the-mold type of person."

"He continued to minister in a wide variety of ways," Msgr. Zuraw added. "Whether at the Liberty Healthcare Center or going to various parishes to celebrate mass."

Riding a motorcycle, holding memorable Christmas Eve masses, and his loud voice projecting the word of God, Father Popovich will be remembered for being his own kind of priest. A priest that hundreds say was the best of the best.

"This is a tremendous loss for the community because here was a man at the age of 69 who truly made an impact on each and every one of us," Msgr. Zuraw added. "Not only spiritually, but he had an opportunity to keep us grounded."

Zuraw added Popovich drastically impacted the Mahoning Valley's youth during his various roles. 

"He never judged anybody," Bolash added. "He never made you feel inferior. Priests die, but this is all over the news because of who he was."

The following post on St. Paul's Facebook page remembered Father Popovich fondly:

 While it was a wonderful weekend of Masses we have heavy hearts this day. We are sad to say we lost one of our beloved pastors, Father Steve Popovich passed away yesterday afternoon. (Arraignments are pending.)

Father Popovich absolutely loved Saint Paul’s and he always asked about the parish. He always prayed for the people of Saint Paul’s. This past summer he brought a bunch of people out to fish in the pond, and all he could do was talk about how special Saint Paul’s is. His favorite thing to say was “Saint Paul’s has it all!!!”

Most know about Father’s car accident over 10 years go. While the car accident may have slowed his body it was never able to slow his fire for Jesus Christ! He was truly a man of God and loved being around people! His infectious laugh and his kind heart have always made people feel welcome.

Please continue to pray for Father Popovich’s family and brother priests as they mourn his loss.

We will always miss and love you Father Popovich!

Calling hours are scheduled for Thursday, January 18, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Austintown. The funeral mass will be held Friday, January 19, at 11 a.m. at Saint Paul's Parish in New Middletown.  

The Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home in Austintown is handling Father Popovich's services.