Wearing an apron with quirky quotes and a radiant smile on his face, a septuagenarian man is touching people around the world with captivating recipe videos shared on his Instagram page.
Known by the Instagram handle “Pop,” this Cincinnati resident showcases a variety of recipes on his page, including gluten-free and dairy-free cookies, clay pot tuna noodles, and yeast flatbread.
Pop, who is 92 years old, told The Epoch Times, “I never dreamed I would have an Instagram account, let alone 171,000 followers. Sometimes I have to pinch myself… but I truly enjoy it.”
Preferring not to disclose his full name, Pop has led a long and interesting life. Born in 1932, he was the second eldest among seven siblings. His mother was from New York and his father was an Irish immigrant.
He recalled, “Although my siblings and I were born during the Great Depression, some even during the early days of World War II, in my memory, we all led a normal life.”
“I remember during elementary school, I enjoyed various sports: basketball, baseball, and football.”
His passion for sports continued throughout high school. A year after graduating from high school, 19-year-old Pop enlisted in the United States Air Force rather than pursuing further education.
“During my four years of service, I was assigned to a fighter squadron. But during the Korean War, I never got close to the danger zones,” Pop said. “In fact, after six months of basic training, I was assigned to an Air Force base in Casablanca, North Africa, where I stayed for 18 months.”
In 1955, he retired honorably as a Staff Sergeant.
Over the next two years, he worked at a manufacturing company but was laid off in 1957. He then enrolled at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he met his future wife.
“We got married in 1958 and completed the first year of university. I decided to find a paying job, so I ended my university career,” Pop said. “I was employed by an Ohio bank, where I worked in the banking industry for the next 36 years at three different banks.”
At the age of 62, he retired.
After enjoying 58 years of a happy marriage, Pop’s wife passed away. He moved in with his daughter and son-in-law, living with them for seven years.
During this time, the grandfather volunteered as an end-of-life caregiver, a service that was suspended during the pandemic. However, he still serves as a guide at the Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica in Covington, Kentucky.
He said, “Fortunately, apart from routine hip replacement surgery and triple bypass surgery in 2021, my health has been good.” He added that he goes to the gym three times a week to stay fit.
Throughout his marriage, Pop enjoyed spending quality cooking time with his wife and helping with household chores. Little did he know that years later, this experience would ignite a passion within him, shared with people around the world.
In 2023, encouraged by his grandchildren, Pop made his debut on Instagram, with his daughter serving as director and producer.
A year later, Pop had already posted 100 times, with most of them related to cooking. His recipes sometimes revolve around special events like Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, or the Super Bowl.
His recipes are not limited to breakfast, causing some to question why he named his Instagram account “Pop’s Happy Breakfast.” He explained, “Years ago, when my wife and I were just married, whenever we left her parents’ house, her father would say ‘Happy Breakfast’ instead of goodbye.” This phrase remains etched in his memory to this day.
He said, “I believe that if you start your day with a happy breakfast, your day will be great!”
Undoubtedly, his videos coupled with his cheerful personality have garnered numerous positive comments on social media.
One internet user wrote, “You are a chemist proficient in problem-solving, Popz!”
“Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe! I love that you can make delicious dishes with all the ingredients at home… you make me so happy!” another comment read.
Faced with such a warm reception, Pop said he enjoys reading and responding to these positive comments as it helps him stay motivated.
At the core of Pop’s upbeat personality lies his faith.
He said, “I know I am nearing the end of my life, but I am not afraid. God has always blessed me and been with me. I know He will not leave me.”
Every morning, he begins with prayer. “I always dedicate my first time to God,” he wrote in an Instagram post, believing his faith and a cup of morning coffee are the source of his motivation.
Due to his popularity on Instagram, Pop decided to write a 250-page book for his grandchildren, sharing the wisdom of his simple life.
The veteran signs off with his signature “Happy Breakfast,” considering himself “very fortunate.”
(@popshappybreakfast provided)