Richard ‘Dick’ Donald Podeszwa, 87, of Galesburg, died at 9:04 am, Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria surrounded by loved ones.
Richard was born November 26, 1935 in Rockford, Illinois, to Jacob J. and Rose (Fiduccia) Podeszwa. After graduating from Rockford West High School in 1955, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force serving at Chanute Air Force Base. It was during this time a mutual friend introduced him to the love of his life. Constance ‘Connie’ Lea (Lloyd) Podeszwa and Richard were united in marriage on June 21, 1958. Richard’s duty station was then moved overseas to Nouasseur Air Force base near Casablanca, Morocco where he served as an aircraft engine mechanic.
Connie joined Dick in Morocco during his service and it was there that the two formed lifelong friendships with Chuck (and Jan) Thomas and the late Pete (and Joan) Vitale. Together, they had many years of laughter, adventures, and cherished memories. Today, Dick’s family knows them as their own.
Dick and Connie raised four children in Galesburg, Illinois and were loving grandparents to their eight grandchildren. Dick had a fulfilling 44-year career at Bixby & Zimmer Engineering, one which he often spoke of fondly. He had a love for music, whether he was playing it on the accordion with his band or dancing with Connie into the late night. He was a trimmer, an avid runner, and a traveler. Most importantly, he was a kind and caring man who never knew a stranger. In his retirement, he was able to share his love for his community by serving as Galesburg’s Santa Claus for 17 years.
Dick is survived by his wife of 64 years, Connie of Galesburg; his children: Mark Podeszwa of Galesburg, Eva (Sal) Garza of Galesburg, Kurt (Marchelle) Podeszwa of Hockley, Texas, and Gina (Scott) Tunzi of Madison, Wisconsin; and his grandchildren: Amelia, Sergio, Salem, Indigo, Kerryck, Sofia, Natalina, and Joseph.
A celebration of life will be held at the Thomas Legacy Center at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory in Galesburg on Saturday April 8, 2023, from 3:00pm – 5:00pm. In honor of his love and commitment to his wife, and in lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org/goto/richardpodeszwa. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
