Martin J. Poppo (1935-2015) Martin Joseph Poppo, MD, 79, longtime Longmeadow, MA resident, died peacefully on September 3 after a short illness. Born in Rhinebeck, NY, to the late Martin and Sophie Poppo, “Jay,” as he was always known to his friends and colleagues, was educated at the Hotchkiss School, Union College, and McGill University, where he earned his medical degree. Jay interned at the University of Illinois Research and Educational Hospital and did his residency at the Cleveland Clinic. Jay had many loves in his life: his family, sailing, skiing, practicing medicine, and traveling the world (he and his wife, Betty, visited all seven continents). Jay began practicing rheumatology in Springfield, MA in 1965. He retired from practicing medicine in March 2013. In 1967, Jay initiated and became the Director of the Immunology Lab at Springfield Hospital (now Baystate Medical Center). Jay served for many years as Chief of Rheumatology at Baystate, where he particularly enjoyed teaching. In 1976, Jay founded Rheumatology Associates, now The Arthritis Treatment Center, where patients were able to receive treatment, education, and rehabilitation within a single facility. This was one of the proudest achievements in his medical career. Jay’s greatest joy came from working closely with his patients and his team at The Arthritis Treatment Center—laughing, exchanging stories, and sharing memories—all while treating the patients’ arthritis and improving their overall health. Jay is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty Rae (Van Vlack) Poppo, and three daughters: Deborah Bargon of Wilton, CT; Laura Poppo of Lawrence, KS; and Kristin Poppo of Alfred, NY; sons-in-law: James Bargon, William Lockwood, and Peter Callahan; eight grandchildren: Saige Bargon, Gregory Bargon, Hannah Bargon, Zachary Bargon, Molly Lockwood, Margaret Lockwood, Sawyer Callahan, and Emma Callahan; one great-granddaughter: Ella Bargon; and sister Constance Bathrick of Rhinebeck, NY. A celebration of Jay’s life will be held at First Church of Christ, 763 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, on Saturday, September 19 at 11 AM. Afterward the family invites everyone to attend a reception at Longmeadow Country Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, New England Region, Massachusetts Office, 29 Crafts Street, Suite 450, Newton, MA 02458 or to your favorite charity.