Obituary of Anthony Albert Poderis

ANTHONY (AL) PODERIS Schenectady- Anthony (Al) Poderis, 85, of Schenectady, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, August 20, 2012, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family that he adored, including his three devoted daughters, his grandchildren and his two sisters. Al was predeceased in February by his true love and wife of 55 years Irene Poderis. Born on May 9, 1927, to Frank and Stella Poderis, Al was raised in Schenectady and graduated from Schenectady Vocational High School and later made his home and life in Rotterdam where he and Irene raised their three daughters. Al worked for General Electric for almost 40 years retiring in 1986 as a machine supervisor in GE's turbine parts department. He brought those skills home and was the "go to" handyman for each and every project his wife and daughters could find for him. He proudly served his country as a Navy seaman, second class, and received a World War II Victory Medal, American Area Medal and The Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal. Upon retirement, Al and Irene enjoyed their winter home in Vero Beach, Florida. An avid golfer, Al was a member of numerous leagues and his attitude and demeanor on the golf course was one of a total gentleman, helping to make him an outstanding player and much sought after partner. That same personality and patient nature was evident in everything he did and serves as a lasting example not only for his daughters and their husbands but also for his 10 grandchildren. Throughout his illness, Al never questioned why it was happening and continued to lead a life without complaint and with dignity and strength. In addition to his parents and wife, Al was predeceased by three sisters Vin Stusinski, Helen Ulisano and Sue Poderis. Al is survived by daughters Susan (Howard) Masto of Guilderland, NY; Carolyn (Robert) Champouillon of Hillsborough, NJ; and Sharon (Michael) Caruso of Latham, NY. He also is survived by and will be forever missed by his grandchildren: Gregory, Stephen and Matthew Masto; Robert A, Lauren and Ryan Champouillon; and Jonathan, Andrue, Ali and Jared Caruso. Al also is survived by two loving sisters, Veronica and Ann Poderis of Rotterdam and several nieces and nephews. Special thanks is extended to Dr. Stewart Silvers and Dr. Francois Vachon and their staffs as well as Atria Senior Living of Guilderland and Hospice of Schenectady. The family will receive relatives and friends between 4:00 - 6:00 on Wednesday evening, August 22 at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham, with a memorial service beginning at 5:30. In lieu of flowers, donations in Al's memory may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, care of the funeral home. To leave the family an online condolence please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.