Dec 12, 2022

Ellis Reese Popiolkowski, of Pittsburgh, left the world peacefully Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at the age of 23.

“In one of those stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing, when you look at the sky at night. And when your sorrow is comforted (time soothes all sorrows) you will be content that you have known me. You will always be my friend…I shall not leave you.”

– Antoine de Saint-Exupry, The Little Prince.

Ellis is survived by his mother, Jennifer Carso-Heinl; father, Mark Popiolkowski; his beloved little brother, Donato Iacurci; his grandparents, Georgia Popiolkowski, Kymberly (Sam) Secreet; godparents, Kathy and Patrick Corcoran; aunts, Melissa (Adam) St. Giles/Corwin, Katie Gagliano, Angela (Thomas) Kelley, and Gina Secreet; as well as his cousins, Elena Corcoran-O’Sullivan, his confidant, Anthony Meissonier, Jamison Lutz, Rocco, Elisabetta and Geno Gagliano.

He was the great-grandson of the late Kathryn “Kay-Kay” Boone; and grandson of Leon Popiolkowski.

Ellis was born April 26, 1999, to parents Jennifer Carso-Heinl and Mark Popiolkowski. Ellis had an unparalleled drive, competitive spirit, and zest for life. As a highly decorated and state wrestling champion in both freestyle and folk, he earned a highly coveted spot on the elite PA State Wrestling Team, where he represented Pennsylvania competing with some of the best wrestlers in the nation. He was an avid bodybuilder and knowledgeable fitness enthusiast who enjoyed helping other people unlock their own potential through diet and fitness.

Known by those around him for his wit and insight, Ellis also enjoyed attending concerts and creating electronic dance music (EDM). Ellis took great pride in his role as a big brother and mentor to Donato. Ellis had multiple family members, friends, and stepbrothers, whom he adored and admired.

Special thank you to Michael Heinl, Daniel Iacurci, Coach Smitty and to the coaches at OMP, Young Guns, Canon-McMillan and Shaler High School for the love and support.

In lieu of flowers, an educational trust fund scholarship will be set up in honor of Ellis. Please send donations to P.O. Box 11184, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Checks should be made out to Ellis Popiolkowski Scholarship Fund.

A celebration of life event will be held in January by invitation.

Arrangements by the Rex T. Smith Funeral Home, 2860 Perrysville Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15214.