Obituary of Pedro Poplawski

Pedro Poplawski was born in the colony of Alborada, Paraguay, to Basil and Maria Poplawski. He was their firstborn son, followed by three younger brothers: Walter, Alex, and Tony. The brothers grew up together on their father's land, where Pedro began helping on the farm at the age of six, feeding cows, chickens, and horses. Pedro was deeply shaped by his father's ministry as a pastor. From a young age, he accompanied his father to church every Wednesday, Saturday night, Sunday morning, and Sunday evening. These early experiences laid the foundation for a life of service and faith. At the age of sixteen, Pedro voluntarily joined the army. A few months later, in 1960, he had a life-changing encounter with God-he was saved and baptized with the Holy Spirit at 10:00 p.m. that night. After this transformative experience, Pedro and his brother traveled from church to church, playing guitar, singing, and encouraging young believers. Pedro later answered the call to ministry and enrolled at the Assembly of God Bible College in Asunción, Paraguay, where he studied for two years. While attending Bible college, he continued ministering with his brothers-visiting churches, singing, and playing music to uplift congregations. Upon completing his studies, Pedro was recommended by an American professor to assist a church in Manhattan, New York City-an Assembly of God church located on 7th Street and 3rd Avenue. His ministry then led him to Garfield, New Jersey, where he served at the Garfield Assembly of God Polish Church under Pastor Tony Cipkowski. Together, they ministered throughout New Jersey-including Bayonne, Elizabeth, South River, Newark, and Orange-and in Millville in southern New Jersey. From there, their ministry expanded into upstate New York, visiting cities such as Utica, Rochester, Herkimer, and Buffalo. They also traveled to Canada, where they preached in Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Montreal. What began as a small church of about 10 to 12 people grew quickly through Pedro's dedication and outreach-walking door to door to invite people to church. God moved powerfully, and soon the congregation grew to 30 or 40 members. This growth led to the construction of a church on North Mill Road in Vineland. Peter met his beloved wife Sophia at a Christian Youth Convention. The two married and resided in Garfield, New Jersey, before moving to Vineland, New Jersey, where they lived for fifty-four years and raised their four children - David, Sarah, Timothy, and Stephen - before Sophia was called home to be with the Lord. He often expressed gratitude for their life together and ministry they shared. Pedro was eventually blessed with five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Pedro faithfully pastored in Vineland from 1969 until 1984. After resigning, he joined the Assembly of God Church on Chestnut Avenue, where he served under Pastor Ralph Snook, and later under Pastor Tony Cotto. Pedro continued to serve faithfully as an elder until he was called home to be with the Lord. Throughout his life, Pedro also ministered internationally, preaching the Gospel in Central America, South America, and Ukraine. In 1972, God placed a vision in Pedro's heart to open a camp for Slavic people on the East Coast. Through God's provision and guidance, people from across the United States, Canada, and Europe came together to worship and glorify the name of Jesus. Many lives were touched, and miracles occurred during these gatherings. A young worship group from Seattle, Washington, also joined in ministry during this time-and they continue to serve to this day. Pedro entered eternity with joy and anticipation, declaring his happiness to meet his Savior, Jesus Christ, and behold His glory and majesty. To God be all the glory and honor. Pedro is survived by his four children and two daughters-in-law David and his wife Elizabeth Poplawski, Sarah Maccherone, Tim and his wife Laurie Poplawski, and Stephen Poplawski; his five grandchildren Vincent and his wife Nikitha Maccherone, Julia and Matthew Strother, Michael Poplawski, Jacob Poplawski, and Olivia Poplawski; his great-grandchildren Asher Maccherone, Luka Strother, and Gianna Maccherone; his brothers Walter and Alex Poplawski; and many other friends and family. A funeral home visitation will be held on Friday, September 12th from 11am to 12pm followed by A funeral service at 12pm from Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland. Interment will follow in Siloam Cemetery, Vineland. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com