Dumitru Podea

Dumitru Podea, age 86, passed away peacefully early Wednesday, December 10, 2025, after a brief illness. He was born on April 9, 1939, in Ciceu-Giurge ti, Bistri a-Nasaud County, Romania, to parents Dumitru and Maria Podea. He was the fourth of eight children and was raised in rural Romania.

As a young man, Dumitru moved to Bucharest, where he worked as a tinsmith alongside his brothers. In 1965, he met Ana Calin at the “23 August” Church. After seven months, they were married and built a life together in Voluntari. They were blessed with five children: Adrian, Camelia, Valentin, Mariana, and Cristian.

In 1984, after years of waiting, Dumitru and Ana immigrated to the United States, settling in Chicago.

Family was Dumitru’s greatest joy. He was blessed with a son-in-law, Lee Protzmann; daughters-in-law, Kala Cook and Lorena Negrei; and eight beloved grandchildren: Aden, Olivia, Astin, Ellis, Lizzy, Olsen, Annie, and Vivienne. In 2014, Dumitru and Ana moved to Texas to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

He is deeply missed, yet mourned with hope, knowing he is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and reunited with loved ones who have gone before him. The family is grateful for the prayers, love, and support shown during this time.

A visitation will be held from 9-10:00 a.m., Monday, December 15, 2025, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at Allen Family Funeral Options in Plano, Texas.

Dumitru will be laid to rest at Wear Cemetery, Prosper, Texas