Louis Poda

LOUIS MICHAEL PODA 7 April 1942 – 11 August 2020 (78 years) Born in Cleveland, Ohio; grew up in Akron, Ohio. Son of Louis and Josephine (Pavlov) Poda. He leaves sisters: Josephine (Poda) Scipione, Ohio; Christine (Poda) Gradijan, Texas; Jennifer Poda, Ohio; brother Christopher Poda, California; nephew, grandniece, nieces. Member St. Bernard's Parish; last 10 years–St. Hilary's. Member Boy Scouts of America. Graduate of Hoban High School. Undergraduate & Graduate (Master's) degrees from University of Akron in Geology & Geography; in ROTC. 40 year employee the University of Akron. Member Akron Astronomy Club (https://www.acaoh.org); Chaired Election Committee; was their OTAA representative (Ohio Turnpike Astronomer's Assoc.); helped get observatory built in the Portage Lakes State Park. Donated his large ("The Hernia Maker!") telescope to them. Enjoyed giving Astronomy tutorials to schools & groups. Members recalled his quote: "The older you get, work is less fun, and fun is more work." An earliest member of Cuyahoga Valley Space Society / National Space Society (https://space.nss.org/cuyahoga-valley-space-society-chapter), serving as a club officer. Member University of Akron Amateur Radio Club (http://w8upd.org). Awed by visit to Cape Canaveral Space Center, Florida, witnessing a rocket launch in person. He was thankful for all the camaraderie over the years-freezing outdoors together to view the Winter night sky; the picnics and parties; being first in line for Star Trek and Star Wars movies; and later, the car rides to meetings. Well-wishers can celebrate his life-long interest in Science, especially Astronomy, Satellite Tracking (recognized for his expertise), and the Space Program, by donating to (and join!) his above-mentioned favorite organizations. He also cared for animals, especially his cat companions. Please remember the animals in need at this pandemic time and donate to: Friends of Pets (F.O.P.): PO Box 813, Akron OH 44309. His family wishes to thank the care of nearly 10 years by the dedicated, kind nurses & staff of Brookdale Senior Living of Bath, Ohio; Southern Care Hospice; Dr. Payton and staff at Fairlawn Family Practice; Dr. Hershberger; Dr. Perko and staff. You were a truly unique individual, Mike, and will be missed by many. God Speed and Ad Astra! Calling hour: Aug. 18, 2020, St. Hilary's Catholic Church, Fairlawn, 10:30-11:30 followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 at the church. Burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Waterloo Rd. Please remember to wear masks and practice spatial distance for your own and others' health at this time.

Family Viewing : August 18, 2020 10:30 am - December 28, 2020 11:30 am

St. Hilary Parish
2750 West Market Street
Fairlawn, OH 44333
(330) 867-1055
http://www.sthilarychurch.org

Mass : August 18, 2020 11:30 am - December 28, 2020 12:30 pm

St. Hilary Parish
2750 West Market Street
Fairlawn, OH 44333
(330) 867-1055
http://www.sthilarychurch.org

Graveside Service : August 18, 2020 1:00 pm - December 28, 2020 1:30 pm

Holy Cross Akron
100 East Waterloo Road
Akron, OH 44319
(330) 724-1297
http://www.clecem.org