Eugene "Gene" Podeszwa

Lisbon - Eugene "Gene" Podeszwa, of Lisbon, passed away peacefully in his sleep Aug. 18, 2025. Born in 1937 to Walter and Phyllis Podeszwa, Gene is survived by his sister, Sophie Maynard; and his brother, Henry Podeszwa.

A graduate of New London High School, Gene went on to earn an associate's degree from Mitchell College and completed coursework at the University of Connecticut.

In 1961, Gene married Wanda Olszewski. Together they raised two children, Stephen Podeszwa (spouse, Leona) and Christine Suratt (spouse, Benjamin) and were blessed with six grandchildren: Megan, Thomas, Patrick and Molly Podeszwa, and William and Anna Suratt.

Gene worked for 38 years at the Naval Underwater Systems Center in New London, where he developed systems for surface ship sonar. His research was published in professional journals, including the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. Throughout his career, Gene received numerous professional honors, including the Surface USW Directorate Sonar Bow Award for his creativity and ability to simplify complex procedures related to sonar performance.

After his retirement, Gene pursued his passion for gardening and earned a Master Gardener Certificate from the University of Connecticut. He took great joy in tending his vegetable garden and maintaining the flower gardens around his home in Lisbon.

A lifelong Red Sox fan, Gene could recite lineups and recall play-by-play details from games of his youth. Ted Williams, number 9, was his favorite player, and the Red Sox's 2004 World Series championship remained one of his fondest memories.

Gene was also a devoted supporter of UConn athletics, especially the women's basketball team. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the players' careers in the WNBA and attended many Connecticut Sun home games. What began as cheering for visiting UConn alumni grew into a deep loyalty to the Sun, and he became a proud, lifelong fan.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at Saint Joseph's Church on Cliff Street in Norwich. Calling hours will precede the Mass, beginning at 10 a.m. at Woyasz and Son Funeral Home on Central Avenue in Norwich. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Saint Joseph Church, Cliff Street, Norwich.