Robert R. Podolsky Sr. 1926-2023
NORTH OLMSTED — Robert Russell Podolsky Sr., loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and proud World War II Navy veteran, passed away Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, at The Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital. At age 97, he was among the last survivors of the Greatest Generation.
He was born in Youngstown, Aug. 24, 1926, to Anthony and Velma Bodnar Podolsky. At age 17, he chose to leave school in the 11th grade and enlist in the U.S. Navy because of the war. He served in the Pacific aboard the USS Blue Ridge, which was involved in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle of the war. He was privileged to be a guest of Honor Flight, which flies veterans to Washington, D.C. for a day of appreciation, and was able to visit the World War II Memorial.
Upon return from the Navy, he met and married Dolores “Dolly” Latronica on June 14, 1947. Together they had two children and shared a wonderful life in Austintown for 57 years until her death in 2004. After her death, he was also blessed to share a new and full life in North Olmsted with the former Jean Prokop, to whom he was married for18 years.
He earned a license as a stationary engineer and was employed by United Engineering and Foundry (which became Wean United) until his retirement.
He enjoyed his yearly autumn trips to New England, which he continued well into his 90s. He was extremely skilled at drawing and woodworking, enjoyed a good game of golf, and spent many years playing and coaching baseball. As a young man, he played shortstop for various softball teams in the area, including Sons of Italy. When his son became involved in Austintown Little League, he coached for Sachire Plastering and later for Class B teams. A lifetime fan of the Cleveland Indians and Browns, he also loved his Ohio State Buckeyes and could be found attired in Buckeye gear from head to toe every Saturday of the college football season!
Besides his wife, Dolly, he was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Anthony “Tony.”
He leaves behind his wife, Jean of North Olmsted; son, Robert Russell Podolsky Jr. of Poland; and his daughter, Sally (Jack) Kenney of Austintown; stepchildren, James (Ivi) and Mark Latronica of Cleveland; grandchildren, Ben (Carole) Canfield, Jeffrey Kenney (Kathie Gillam) and Seth Kenney (Dr. Amanda); and step-grandchildren, Dr. James (Jaime) and Matthew Latronica.
In addition, he leaves great-grandchildren, Tyler and Hailey Canfield, Lydia and Cameron Kenney; and step-great-grandson, James Latronica VI.
There are no calling hours. Private services will be held at a later date.
(special notice)