Milorad Popović, PhD, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Born on January 31, 1947 in Belgrade, Serbia, to father Branko and mother Vjera Popović. Memory eternal.
Milorad was born in Belgrade. He met the love of his life, Liliana Popovic, as a teenager while on the train to summer camp. She was his lifelong travel companion, and he was her devoted husband for 52 years. Their marriage inspired those around them.
He was immensely proud of his daughter, Lena Popovic, an IU graduate, and his son, Branko Popovic, a UC Davis graduate.
An intellectual, his lifelong love of physics brought him to America for his Ph.D. and inspired him until the end. His 20 plus year career as a physicist at Fermilab was marked by seeking out challenging problems, mentorship of young scientists and lively lunches with his colleagues - a father to not only his children but the community.
There was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his family and friends. He was always eager to help, whether it was something to fix, lending an ear, or just helping with math homework.
He is survived by his wife, Liliana, his daughter, Lena and son, Branko, along with extended family, friends, and colleagues. He will be remembered by them for his curious mind, kind heart, and playful spirit.
Opelo (Serbian Orthodox Funeral Service) took place on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the New Gračanica Serbian Orthodox Monastery, 35240 W Grant Ave, Third Lake, IL 60046.
Interment Most Holy Mother of God Cemetery.
After the interment, Daća (Serbian Orthodox Memorial Luncheon) took place at the New Gračanica Serbian Orthodox Monastery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to Khan Academy. Milorad loved science and education, and he believed Khan Academy inspires and prepares the next generation of scientists.
For detailed information please contact:
SVETA GORA FUNERAL HOME, Chicago, tel 773-588-2200.
Primite moje iskreno saučešće. Čast je bila poznavati Milorada.
I've known Milorad for many years at the lab. We've had interesting conversations and arguments over physics during his time there. He'll be missed. My deepest condolences to his family. RIP.
My sincere condolences to the family on Milorad's passing. He was such a positive influence as a mentor to many scientists. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers.
Great memories of almost weekly lunches in a restaurant outside Fermilab with Milo and a few close friends until I moved away from the area. Very interesting man and great sense of humor. Mike
Dragi naši, Delimo tugu sa vama, saučešće Ljilji i deci, neka počiva u miru.
Jako smo se rastužili kad je do nas stigla vest da Popa više nema. Vječnaja pamjat! Ivan Vuković i Jasmina Hranisavljević
Draga Ljilja , Vama i djeci najiskrenije saucesce . Mira i Simo!
Draga Ljilana , Vama i deci naše najiskrenije saučešća. Otišao je divan čovek i naucnik ali secanja zauvek ostaju. Jovan i Dragana Cupic
Deepest sympathy to the family. Such a good neighbor.R.I.P
Draga Ljiljo i djeco, primite naše iskreno saučešće. Milorad neka počiva u miru Božijem 🙏
Draga Ljiljo, Primi naše najiskrenije saučešće . Mira i Zeljko Atlagic
Liliana, Branko, and Lena -- My heart is so sad to hear of your loss. We had so much fun in the neighborhood watching our kids growing up. Milorad usually appeared bemused by the noise and energy generated by my crew but was always patient and kind to them. So many wonderful memories. May Milorad's memory be a blessing and help ease your sorrow.
Draga Ljiljo primi te nase iskreno saucesce. Nek pociva u miru. Ella i Ola
Saucesce mojoj sestri Ljilana,Lenin i Branku TUZNI SMO,STO NAS JE NAPUSTIO ZAUVEK MILORAD. BIO JE PRIMER BEZGRANICNE LJUBAVI,PLEMENITOSTI,LJUDSKE PAZNJE I MUDRIH SAVETA. SA NIM,SVE JE BILO POSEBNO! NOSICEMO GA U NASIM SRCIMA PO NAJLEPSIM SECANJIMA. NEK POCIVA U MIRU! OD BITOLA,SONJA SO FAMILIJATA
Milorad was such a beloved figure around the lab. It was an honor to work with him, and he was a part of some of my favorite FNAL memories.
My sincere condolences to the family. I met Milorad at Fermilab some twenty years ago and always much enjoyed his company, both from a professional and personal point of view. He was one of a kind with a larger than life personality. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Sincerely, Craig Dukes
My heart goes out to your family in this hard times. He was such a great presence and will be missed. His memories will live long!