On Monday, July 4, 2022, Stephen Edward Podkowka, a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather passed away peacefully at the age of 91 surrounded by his beloved family. Stephen was born in Ware, MA on May 9, 1931 to his father Stanley Podkowka, Sr. and his mother Katherine (Wajdula) Podkowka. He was the third youngest of 10 children. He was a life-long resident of Ware. Stephen enjoyed spending his youth going to the beaches, swimming at Snow's Pond and playing cards with his friends. Stephen was a little League coach for many years and a volunteer fireman for 28 years, where he loved participating in the fireman musters. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 36 years. Stephen worked at the Ware Shoe Shop and Kanzaki Specialty Papers. Stephen was an avid baseball fan who also enjoyed camping trips, vacationing, playing BINGO, playing cards in Cribbage and Pitch leagues, snow plowing and spending time with his loving family. On February 20, 1971, Stephen married Marilyn Gerhard, and have enjoyed 51 years of marriage. Together they raised 2 daughters, Lisa and Cathy. Stephen was pre-deceased by his parents, Stanley Podkowka, Sr., Katherine Podkowka and his siblings, Stephanie (Podkowka) Collins, Catherine (Podkowka) Barbeau, Walter Podkowka, Stanley Podkowka, Jr., Adele (Podkowka) Aldrich, Chester Podkowka, Edward Podkowka and Helen Podkowka. Stephen leaves behind his beloved wife, Marilyn, his daughter Lisa, and her husband Ernest Warburton of Hardwick, his daughter Cathy and her husband Kelly Grout of Ware, and 5 cherished grandchildren: Jacob, Nicholas and Jaxon Warburton, and Savannah and Sierra Grout. He also leaves his sister, Genevieve (Podkowka) Rys of Ware, and many nieces & nephews. More than anything Stephen enjoyed spending time with his adoring grandchildren. He loved playing cards and games with them, making them laugh, attending their many sporting events and dance recitals. He truly was their biggest fan. They will miss their Papa dearly. A father like you is rare, one that's so generous, smart, kind, helpful, loving, full of smiles and laughter. The only thing you've made difficult are the goodbyes and tears at the end. Heaven will be lucky to have you. We love you Papa! A Calling Period will be held on Thursday, July 7, 2022 from 8:30-10:30 AM in the Cebula Funeral Home Chapel, Ware. A Funeral Mass will be offered at 11 AM on Thursday, July 7, 2022 in St. Mary's Church, Ware. Stephen will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery following the mass. For more information and online guest book, please visit: www.cebulafuneralhome.com .
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