Alex Popov Obituary, Death Tribute – The Fair Lawn community is heartbroken as it mourns the loss of 19-year-old Alex Popov, a bright and compassionate young man whose life ended tragically on Thanksgiving Eve. His passing has left family, friends, classmates, and neighbors devastated, struggling to make sense of losing someone so young, gifted, and full of promise. Now, those who loved him are coming together to honor his memory and celebrate the remarkable person he was.
Alex, a second-year computer science student at Bergen Community College, was involved in a devastating vehicle incident along Route 208. Though emergency responders reached him quickly, he passed away before his loved ones arrived. The suddenness of his loss has shaken everyone who knew him, but the focus has now shifted toward remembering his extraordinary spirit and the joy he brought to so many lives.
To his family and friends, Alex was so much more than a young man with a bright academic future—he was a source of warmth, kindness, and inspiration. Loved ones describe him as having “unique energy and a beautiful soul,” a phrase that reflects the light he radiated effortlessly. Whether he was sharing conversation, offering support, or simply being present, Alex carried a quiet strength that made people feel understood and valued.
He was someone who lived with genuine enthusiasm. His interests were wide and varied—bicycling, computer gaming, and martial arts were among the activities that filled his days with meaning and excitement. More recently, he developed a deep love for chess, a passion that suited his sharp intellect and patient nature. Friends recall how he approached every hobby with determination, curiosity, and a desire to grow. He never did anything halfway; every goal, every interest, every challenge was met with commitment and heart.
But above all, Alex will be remembered for his kindness. His warm smile made people feel welcomed, and his gentle personality created a comforting space for anyone who needed it. He listened closely, cared deeply, and had an ability to sense when someone needed support. His obituary describes him beautifully: a young man who helped whenever he could, who lifted others up quietly and without fanfare.
Alex leaves behind a loving family who adored him—his parents, Oleksiy and Tatiana Matvienko, and his sisters, Mariya and Katerina Popova, who cherished him as a brother, friend, and role model. He also leaves grandparents in Ukraine who held him close in their hearts despite the distance. His family shared that the joy and compassion he brought into the world will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.
The community has rallied around his family in their time of grief. A fundraiser created to support them has already received an outpouring of generosity from friends, classmates, neighbors, and people who simply wanted to help. As of Monday, more than $11,600 has been raised to help ease the financial strain of funeral expenses and other needs. The heartfelt messages from supporters have offered comfort, reminding the family that they are not facing this loss alone.
Those who knew Alex will have an opportunity to gather in remembrance and unity on Tuesday, December 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Vander Plaat Colonial Home in Fair Lawn. This gathering will be a chance to share stories, offer comfort, and honor the life of a young man gone far too soon.
Though Alex Popov’s time on earth was brief, the legacy he leaves behind is powerful—a legacy of compassion, intelligence, humility, and love. May his family and friends find strength in one another, and may his memory remain forever cherished in every heart he touched.
