Tom Podwoski

Tom Podwoski passed away peacefully in his Painesville home of 28 years on April 16, 2019. He was surrounded by family and loved ones. Born on June 24, 1935 in Cleveland, OH. Tom was the first son of the late Bernard M. and Clara (Zielinski) Podwoski. Tom grew up in Garfield Heights attending Garfield Elementary School and later graduating from Cathedral Latin High School. Tom received his BSEE from Case Institute of Technology, where he was Rush Coordinator for Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. Tom began his career in Electrical Construction Management at the Austin Company. In 1965 he was hired by Hatfield Electric Company managing commercial electrical construction projects responsible for lighting up the growing Cleveland and Columbus skylines. In 1979 he was named President and later Chairman of The Hatfield Companies. Through Tom’s leadership and vision, the company enjoyed continued success with projects in Cleveland, Columbus, Atlanta, Orlando, Milwaukee and Phoenix. In 1989 Tom founded Homeowners Concept, a premier for sale by owner real estate service company with his wife Lynelle. After his retirement, Tom continued his work in real estate at Taplyn Consultants. He was well known for his vast knowledge, attention to detail and compassionate heart. In 1999 Tom founded Community Deeds 4 Kids, a nonprofit that provided grants and contributions to organizations dedicated to improving the lives of area children. By 2017 Community Deeds had distributed nearly $100,000 to local organizations. Volunteerism became one of his biggest passions. He enjoyed volunteering and serving on the boards of many organizations including the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland, Rebuilding Together Lake County, the Cleveland Clinic and Lake County Area Realtors Community Involvement. Tom was a lifelong Cleveland Sports fan. His favorite team was the Cleveland Indians. He was perpetually optimistic for a Cleveland Browns championship season. He spent much of his free time watching sports teams live and on TV. Tom was grateful for Bill W. and Dr. Bob S. for nearly 33 years in fellowship and support. Also, a special thank you to the dedicated caregivers at Hospice of the Western Reserve for their loving care and support during Tom’s final days. Tom is survived by his children, Lisa (John) Biggio, Christopher (Barbara) Podwoski, Mary Podwoski, Amy (Jerry) VanDeMotter; grandchildren, Max and Mitchell Biggio, Patricia (Chandler) Snell, Christine (Dustin) Hawkins and Samantha (Mitchell) Palm, Andrew, Meghan and Bennett VanDeMotter; niece and nephews, Laura, Joshua and Matthew Podwoski; and caregiver and companion, Charlotte Chessman. Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 25 years, Lynelle in 2013 and his brother, Carl in 2017. Tom’s family invites you to join them for a celebration of his life 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at the Mentor United Methodist Church, 8600 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 22 at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Carl Podwoski Scholarship Fund at Case Western Reserve University; https://www.casealum.org/carl-podowski and the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland; online at http://www.clevekids.org/. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Tom Podwoski

June 24, 1935 - April 16, 2019