Theodore E. "Teddy" Podkowka

Theodore E. "Teddy" Podkowka, age 79 passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, after a period of declining health.  Teddy was born in Ware, Massachusetts on March 1, 1945, son of the late Adam S. Podkowka and Wanda H. (Drega) Podkowka.  He was raised and educated in Ware, a graduate of the former St. Mary's School.  Teddy enlisted in the United States Army on July 19, 1965, and honorably served his country in Germany and Vietnam.  While in the Army, Teddy attended the United States Army Aviation School and was awarded a diploma in Aircraft Maintenance.  He also received a Certificate of Achievement in Germany from a training course provided by the Bell Helicopter Company. Teddy was Honorably Discharged on July 6, 1967, with the rank of SP/4.  He served with the 498th Medical Company in Vietnam and received the following:  Air Medal, with First Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with Second Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with Third Oak Leaf Cluster, for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. The Citation read "for distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight in support of combat ground forces of the Republic of Vietnam during the period 10 March 1967 to 22 March 1967".  "During this time, he actively participated in more than twenty-five aerial missions over hostile territory in support of counterinsurgency operations. During all of these missions he displayed the highest order of air discipline and acted in accordance with the best traditions of service.  By his determination to accomplish his mission in spite of hazards inherent and repeated aerial flights over hostile territory and by outstanding degree of professionalism and devotion to duty, he has brought credit upon himself, his organization, and military service", as was written on a Presidential Citation Teddy received. He also received the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Combat Medal.  Teddy was always proud of his Country and his service to it.  On September 18, 1971, in St. Mary's Church, Teddy entered into Holy Matrimony with Sophie Dziegiel, and together they have been together through good times and bad for 53 years.  Teddy was employed for many years at Kanzaki Specialty Paper in Ware as a millwright.  He retired in 2007 and spent countless hours working around his home.  Teddy loved his yard and his flowers; he loved teaching his grandchildren all that he knew about gardening and fixing what needed to be fixed. Teddy and Sophie enjoyed traveling after their Retirment.  His Catholic faith was a big part of his life.  He spent many hours in Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament on Fridays at St. Mary's Church.  Teddy was a devout communicant of St. Mary's Church and was a member of its Holy Rosary Sodality.   Teddy leaves behind his family, his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Sophie (Dziegiel) Podkowka, his loving children; his daughter Terri Martin and Ryan Breen, son Richard Podkowka, and son Christopher Podkowka and his wife Megan.  Teddy also leaves behind his pride and joy, his grandchildren:  Christopher "Cj" Podkowka, Jacob Martin, Nataleigh and Charleigh Podkowka.  He also leaves behind his sisters-in-law, Stasia Bronner and Anna Smith, and brother-in-law, Larry Bronner, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Teddy was predeceased by his parents, Adam in 1975, Wanda in 1991, his brother Frank in 2018, John "Jack" in 2020, and sister-in-law, Beverly in 2024.  A Visitation Period will take place on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 9 - 11 AM in Cebula Funeral Home, 66 South St., Ware.  A Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 11:30 Am in St. Mary's Church, 57 South St., Ware.  Prayers of Committal with Military Honors will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ware.  Funeral Services are under the direction of Cebula Funeral Home of Ware.  For more information and an online guestbook, please visit:  www.cebulafuneralhome.com .

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