My Sweet Grandpa

Walter Francis Podgorski, 85, passed away August 18, 2012. Walter lived in Germantown, Tennessee for 40 years. Walter was a graduate of the College of Engineering at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He received his Master’s degree from Stephens Institute of Engineering in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was a licensed engineer. Mr. Podgorski served in theU.S. Navy in the special V12 program during World War II. Mr. Podgorski is survived by his wife of 62 years Rachel Rae Podgorski; five sons Dr. Steven (Dr. Donna Bratton) Podgorski of Littleton, Colorado, Dr. Gary (Beidy) Podgorski of Columbia, Tennessee, Kenneth (Becky) Podgorski of Knoxville, Tennessee, Wayne (Darnelle) Podgorski of Cordova, Tennessee, and Mark Alan (Angie) Podgorski or Knoxville, Tennessee; 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 21 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens at 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119. A funeral mass will be on Wednesday, August 22 beginning at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church located at 8151 Poplar Avenue, Germantown, TN 38138. Walter was a loving husband, father and grandfather who always strived to guide his children and grandchildren. Online condolences and floral tributes may be made by visiting www.memphisfuneralhome.net. Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens 901.725.0100

Published in The Commercial Appeal on August 20, 2012

picture from when he was in the Navy

Grandpa as an alter boy

Proposing to my Grandmother

the happy couple

People were so sweet to send flowers, we received over 30 arrangements - there were flowers everywhere! 

My sweet Grandpa passed away last week. All of the family came to town and it was, strangely, a nice week. I love to be around family - telling old stories and looking through old pictures and just catching up with each other. It is a nice thought to think that because of Grandpa we all came together and had a great time. We will miss him.