Thomas J Poppa

MADISON-Thomas Joseph Poppa, age 69, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, at Meriter Hospital. He was born on Sept. 3, 1948, in Madison, the son of Francis and Ann (McWilliams) Poppa. Tom graduated from Madison Central High School in 1967, and from MATC with a degree in welding in 1969.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1969- 1971, where he was stationed in Kitzigen, Germany. Following his service, Tom began a career as a traffic engineer for the City of Madison, and retired in 2004. He was a hard worker, enjoyed hunting, fishing and ice fishing and being outdoors. Tom had a heart of gold and would help anyone.  He is survived by his daughter, Jenny (Scott) Young and her mother, Diane Poppa; granddaughter, Austyn Grace Young; three sisters, Patricia Dayton, Elizabeth (Richard) Beale, and Susan (Ronald) Walz; sister-in-law, Judy Poppa; and many other family members and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Francis Poppa, Jr.; sister, Mary (Jim) Maxwell; and granddaughter, Grace Young.  In keeping with Tom's wishes, a Celebration of his life will be held at the VFW POST NO. 1318, 133 E. Lakeside St., Madison, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, with military honors being conducted at 1 p.m.