Michael (Sonny) Podolak
June 3, 1948 ~ January 13, 2008
Michael A. (Sonny) Podolak, 59, of Weirton, died Sunday , January 13, 2008, at Trinity West Medical Center, in Steubenville.
He was born June 3, 1948, in Steubenville, OH a son of the late Michael and Anastasia (Ruby) Podolak.
Sonny was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, serving aboard the USS Forrestall. He retired from Weirton Steel Company, Tin Mill Department, where he worked on the platers. Sonny graduated from West Virginia Northern Community College, where he earned an Associate degree in Criminal Justice Law. He was a member of the Weirton Police Department Reserves, the Weir High School Class of 1966 Reunion Committee, and the American Legion Post #10. Sonny was an accomplished and talented musician, mastering the accordion, guitar, violin, keyboard, and the harmonica.
He is survived by his fiancee Marlene Dhayer, of Weirton; a son, Anthony Podolak of Seffner, FL; two daughters, Marie Kuster and her husband Dana of Punta Gorda, FL, and Anastasia "Staci" Stanford of Arcadia, FL; and two grandsons, Zakery Kuster and Dillon Stanford.
Visitation will be Wednesday, from 2-4 and 6-8PM, at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV, where Parastas service will be held Wednesday evening at 7:30PM.
Sonny will lie in state Thursday, from 10AM to the time of the funeral service, at 11 AM at the St, Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Weirton.
The Very Rev. Father Theodore Shomski will officiate.
Memories and vocals will be provided by Pastor Sonny Shoe and Pastor Ray Cooper of the Rosemont Chapel.
Interment will be in St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cemetery, Weirton, where Military services will be conducted by the American Legion Firing Squad.
Friends may share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com
Dear Anthony, Staci, and Marie & families……your Dad was a fun cousin growing up with and we will always remember the good memories we shared together, Chistmases, birthday parties, Easters, etc. May Our Lord keep you all close to His Heart as you go through this sad time. I, too, can’t believe he is actually gone… and to Marlene…. you were so good for him and did so well standing by him through his illnesses…. God Bless…. Cousin, Penny
Marlene I was so saddened to read that Mike passed away…..my heart goes out to you. You were so good to him and I’m sure he appreciated everything you have done for him while he was ill. May God bless you in this time of sorrow. Your friend, Liz
Marlene, and family, Sorry to hear of your loss. I never had Mike in class at Weir High but I remember him and taught him how to swim many years ago. He was a guy that always had a smile. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sincerely, Jerry Hamill Weir High Teacher Swimming teacher
We share in the loss of your loved one. Our prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I grew up with Sonny on Marlamont and have such wonderful memories of our childhood days. Sonny was such a kind and generous person with a big smile
Anthony, Staci and Marie- We are sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. We will always remember his visits to Florida & going to the beach. It was so good to see him at Marie’s wedding in 2006. He will be missed- Sorry for your loss–Uncle Ed and Aunt Pam
Anthony, Stacy, and Marie we are keeping you guys in our hearts while you share the loss of your father.
Anthony, Marie, and Staci, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I enjoyed being around your father when in scouting, he was always smiling. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless
My deepest condolences to family & friends. Mike and I graduated from Weir High in the class of “66”. We also rode motorcycles together and will always remember Mike and his Honda 300 Dream. Craig,
Marlene, I was so saddened to hear of Mike’s passing, all that he’s been through, there’s no suffering now. God Bless you and keep you during this difficult time. May you find peace and comfort in knowing his struggles are over and you’ve been such a wonderful part of his life.
My deepest sympathy to you all at this time. God bless you.
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing, we have been friends since we were teens. Mike was a great friend, and always a super guy. My husband and I will miss running into him alot. With deepest sympathy’ Theresa and Tony Bongiovanni
Dear family, I am so sorry for your loss of Sonny. He was always so nice to me when I was little. I will pray for your family in these hard times. I am one of Sonny’s many cousins. May God Bless You and Keep you close.