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Manhattan College Rutgers University

Thomas Podgurski Obituary

EXTER, N.H. - Thomas Podgurski, formerly of Fredon, N.J., passed away in Exeter, N.H., Friday, March 16, 2012, at the age of 63.

Thomas is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Sharon Hesse-Podgurski, of New Hampshire; and daughter, Rachel Podgurski, of Hancock, N.H.; two sisters, Catherine McCormack of New York and Theresa Singley of Rockaway, N.J.; and many nieces and nephews. Thomas is predeceased by his parents, Anthony A. Podgurski and Catherine Dwyer-Podgurski, of Ridgefield Park, N.J.

Thomas was born in Jersey City, N.J., and moved to Ridgefield Park, N.J., in 1950. He attended St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, N.J., where he ran track and cross country. Thomas moved to Fredon, N.J., in 1975 and lived there until 2009, when he moved to Exeter Healthcare Center in Exeter, N.H.

Educated at Manhattan College with a bachelor's degree in psychology in 1970, Thomas received his master's degree from Farleigh Dickenson University in 1973 and his doctorate in education from Rutgers University in 1990. He worked for the Roselle Public schools as a psychologist from 1972 until 1974, when he began working as school psychologist for the Byram Township School District. Thomas worked as the school psychologist until 2001, when he took over as principal of the Byram Lakes Elementary School and worked there until January of 2009.

Thomas enjoyed fishing, canoeing, being outdoors and woodworking. He loved being an educator and enjoyed surprising the children and staff with his crazy ties and creative Halloween costumes. Following a stroke in January of 2009, Thomas continued to fight, to laugh, and to live life; he never gave up. He will be missed and remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Arrangements are private. Memorial donations may be made the National Stroke Association, 9707 East Easter Lane, Centennial, CO 80112.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Jersey Herald on Mar. 21, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Podgurski

7 Entries

Crystal Seward

March 23, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you both, Rachel and Sharon. It was an honor to care for Dr. Tom especially in his final days. I will miss his since of humor and his laugh the most! He touched many lives, including mine, and for that I am grateful.

Jim Rallis

March 22, 2012

Tommy will always be remembered as my fun filled cousin who could always make me laugh.
Rachel & Sharon are hearts go out to the both of you.
Tommy will be missed.
Jim & Tricia

Karen Lauridsen

March 21, 2012

Fond memories of The Polar Express will forever be in our hearts. We are sorry for your loss and we appreciate and will never forget the love and dedication he gave to our school. -- The Lauridsen Family, Byram nj

March 21, 2012

We have fond memories of Dr. Podgurski especially on halloween! (our favorite) our deepest sympathy to all <3 sincerely, the cavallaro family

March 21, 2012

Sharon and Rachel - It has been a long struggle for Tom and you both. We have been grieving
for Tom since he had his stroke. So many parents, till this day, ask about him. His kindness throughout the years as a School Psychologist and then Principal will not be forgotten. When he brought me back to the
Consolidated School as his secretary, I was so happy to work for him. He was so fair with the staff from the custodial staff right up to our master teachers. I cried when he had his stroke and I am still crying today but he has found peace. Warm regards, Carole Johnson, retired school secretary, and my extended family

fjohn reinke (mc1968)

March 21, 2012

The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.

Deborah Haff

March 21, 2012

Sharon and Rachel, we are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was truly a dedicated educator who will be missed by many.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

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