Joseph 'Jake' Podgurski, 90; Worked for 4 Decades for the Town of Greenwich

Joseph "Jake" Podgurski, passed Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, after a long struggle against Alzheimer's Disease at Greenwich Woods Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. He was 90.

Born on Sept. 3, 1923, in Greenwich, he was the son of Michael and Agnes Podgurski of Cos Cob.

Mr. Podgurski graduated from Greenwich High School in 1942, and served in the U.S. Navy as a coxswain aboard merchant ships during World War II, during which he would twice circumnavigate the globe.

Following his service, he was employed by the Town of Greenwich for four decades, and, a deeply devout Catholic, worshipped as a longtime parishioner at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Riverside. A great lover of animals, he was a lifelong gardener possessed of a remarkable work ethic, and a deeply inquisitive reader, found nose-deep, daily, in his beloved New York Times, and revisiting passages from the Bible time and time again.

He is survived by his wife, Josephine; his six daughters, Therese, Linda, Paulette, Christine, Mary, and Carolyn; and two sons, Jack and David, all of whom reside in Connecticut. He also leaves behind three cherished grandsons: Stephen, Daniel and Jarrett.

Mr. Podgurski was the brother of the late Stan, Michael, and Ann.

Those seeking to offer their remembrances and condolences to the family may visit Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 31 Arch St., Greenwich, from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5. Mass and funeral services will at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 6, at St. Catherine of Siena, 4 Riverside Ave., Riverside. Interment will be private.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.leopgallaghergreenwich.com