Major William Richard Podgorski

1965 - 2014

Major William Richard Podgorski passed away unexpectedly on 6/17/2014, surrounded by his family. Born April 15, 1965 in Jamaica, New York, to Dr. Richard S. Podgorski (Pre Deceased) and Mary I. Podgorski, of Farmington Connecticut. He was raised in North Salem, New York. Major Podgorski earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Pace University in 1988, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Connecticut in 2010. He began his law enforcement career as a Police Officer in the Town of Lewisboro, New York. Graduating from the Zone 3, Westchester County, N.Y. Police Academy in 1987, Major Podgorski entered into duty with the Connecticut State Police on November 3, 1989, as a member of the 100th Training Troop. His career was both varied and extraordinarily accomplished, serving as a trooper out of Troop G Westport, Troop A Southbury, the Governor's Security Unit, the Western District Traffic Squad, the Office of Field Operations and the Central District Traffic Squad. Upon his promotion to the rank of sergeant on June 4, 1999, Major Podgorski served in the Central District Traffic Squad, Troop G Bridgeport, the Western District Traffic Squad and the Office of Field Operations. On July 27, 2004, he was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to serve as the commanding officer of the Central District Traffic Squad and thereafter, the Traffic Services Unit and as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, before serving in the Division of Homeland Security. Upon his promotion to major on August 1, 2008, he served in the Division of Homeland Security, on the Commissioner's Staff, in the Division of Scientific Services, and most recently, as the commanding officer of Western District Headquarters. Major Podgorski leaves behind his beloved wife, Amy (Rossi), and their three children; Isabella age 14, Sofia age 12, and Richard "Ricky" age 11 of Farmington, Connecticut; as well as his mother, Mary Podgorski; his brother, Edward and Debra Podgorski of Brewster, New York; and his sister, Ellen and John Courtney of Bethel, Connecticut; Amy's father John Rossi (predeceased), mother Irene Rossi of Wolcott, Connecticut, brother Thomas and Wendy Rossi of Wolcott, Connecticut, sister Dr. Grace and Buddy (Rossi) Brown of Smithville L.I., New York and brother Max and Jennifer Rossi of Wolcott, Connecticut, his nieces and nephews; Ryan, Drew, Genevieve, Camryn, Max, Tom Jr., Michael, Taylor, Ally, Cole and Alexa. His greatest accomplishment was the inspiration, integrity, guidance, and unconditional love as a husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main Street, Unionville, CT on Friday, June 20, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Mary Star of The Sea, Main St., Unionville, on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 10:00 am followed by burial in Woodtick Cemetery in Wolcott CT. Friends are encouraged to go directly to the church. In lieu of flowers a scholarship fund has been established for his children: "Major Podgorski Children's Scholarship Fund", c/o Farmington Bank, 1845 Farmington Ave., Unionville, CT 06085. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.