Clifford Daniel Popp

Clifford Daniel Popp, 84, of Warren, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025. Born on April 12, 1941, in Highland Park, Michigan, Cliff grew up in Detroit and spent his life building, fixing, and quietly caring for the people around him.

Cliff was the son of Daniel Popp and Marie Sole. A gifted electrician and mechanic, he worked throughout his career in machine repair and building maintenance, bringing his sharp mind and steady hands to many places, including Detroit Public Television (WTVS), NASA, Uniroyal Tire, Eonic, and Link Engineering. His knowledge of all things technical and mechanical was unmatched, and if a tool was needed to complete a job, Cliff not only had it — he was happy to lend it.

At home, Cliff could often be found in his garage or at his basement workbench, tinkering with televisions, radios, microwaves, lawnmowers, snowblowers, and anything else that needed attention. He enjoyed crime shows and singing loudly along to country music oldies, including the likes of Hank Williams.

He also cherished time spent on the water, cruising Lake St. Clair aboard his wooden Chris-Craft cabin cruiser. Those trips, which often included overnight stays on the boat with his family, were a special source of joy and remain treasured memories for those who shared them with him.

Among his many talents, Cliff’s legendary mastery of Tetris on the original Nintendo holds a special place in family lore. With lightning-fast reflexes, he defeated every challenger in the house and remains the undisputed family champion, having reached levels no one else could touch.

Cliff was gentle, kind, and hardworking. He truly was everybody’s friend. He made connections easily wherever he went, including at the nursing home where he lived later in life, and he was well known and well liked by all who knew him. He was always ready to give a hug to a friend or a staff member. He was known for his deep devotion to his wife of 46 years, his pride for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and his deep generosity.

He also possessed a rare gift for comedy, remembering long-form jokes and delivering them with perfect timing. His jokes never fell flat and always brought genuine laughter and joy to those around him.

Cliff is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia Popp; his children, Karen, Diana, Daniel, John, and Thomas; his grandchildren, Jenny, Jessie, Tim, Jennifer, Stephanie, Madison, Mackenzie, Bennett, Michael, Isabella, Christian, Evangeline, David, Isaac, Anastasia, and Natasha; and his 14 great-grandchildren.

Cliff’s legacy lives on in the things he built, the problems he solved, the laughter he shared, and the many lives he touched.

A memorial service and reception will be held in the spring, when family and friends can gather to celebrate his life.