The Legacy of Nick Popa

The Fenton community and the Community Foundation of Greater Flint is grieving the loss of a dear friend, Nicholas A. Popa, who passed away October 14. Nick's legacy is preserved through the Popa Family Endowment Fund, established in 1998 to provide scholarships to graduating Fenton High School seniors. Nick, a retired manufacturing plant manager, and his wife Donna moved to Fenton in 1956. He and several other local businessmen formed a partnership in 1964 and chartered the First National Bank of Fenton, which later became Bank One and then Citizens Bank.

The group also developed the Fenton Industrial Park. Nick believed the Industrial Park helped grow the city by acting as a spark, bringing businesses into the area and creating a solid tax base for the community. Nick also founded Epic Machine in Fenton. When Nick's closest friend died, Richard Beardsley, he established the Richard A.Beardsley Memorial Fund to honor his legacy. He and Donna joined the Community Foundation's Legacy Society, leaving a planned gift in their estate to benefit the Popa Family Endowment Fund.

Nick and Donna have supported many other causes through the years including the Flint Women and Girls Fund and the Flint Kids Fund. His legacy of caring and compassion will always be remembered.