Obituary of Adam Podraza

Adam Podraza of New Milford, Connecticut (formerly Mahopac, New York) passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at the age of 73. 

Adam was born in Tarnów, Poland on April 25, 1950, to father Walter and mother Stella. An only child, Adam and his mother emigrated to the US in 1957, with his father following 3 years later. Adam lived with his uncle on his farm in upstate New York during this time. 

Adam was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Denise (neé O’Keefe). He is survived by children Nicole Odeh (spouse Ted Odeh), Adam Podraza (spouse Mayredlis Cruz), and Denielle Podraza (spouse Curtis Earl); grandchildren Mason Odeh (Nicole and Ted), Geordan and Tristan Earl (Denielle and Curtis), and Sebastian Davila-Cruz, Silderyam, Sophia, and Santino Podraza-Cruz (Adam and Mayre); and his companion Thelma and her grandson Cameron. 

Adam worked many jobs throughout his life, including as a bagger and grocery deliverer at Finast (where he met Denise), a baker at Arnold Bakery with his father (he lasted less than a week), and a corporate job at Avon (his children would come for lunch and to shop at the corporate store). His dream was to own a remote control car hobby store and he realized that dream with Denise. They owned A&D Fastracks for many years and brought much joy to their family and the community with their store and racetrack. When Adam closed the store, he moved on to a custodial position with Katonah-Lewisboro School District, where he was able to retire.

Adam spent his life traveling, first with his high school and college friends, then with Denise and his family. Later in life he enjoyed taking road trips with his companion Thelma, traveling overseas to Europe, riding with his motorcycle club, and visiting his children and grandchildren up and down the East Coast. 

A remembrance service for Adam Podraza will be held from 10-11am on Monday July 10, 2023 at Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White St, Danbury, CT 06810, with a prayer service to follow. Adam Podraza and his predeceased wife, Denise, will be laid to rest at St Mary's Cemetery in Bethel, CT following the service.

People wishing to honor Adam can make donations to the National Kidney Foundation Inc., as this was a cause close to his heart - support.kidney.org