Obituary
Jerome Podolsky, age 94, of Wheeling Illinois, passed peacefully surrounded by family on December 10, 2022. Jerry was born in Chicago in 1928. He grew up on the West Side, and graduated from Crane Tech High School before going on to earn his bachelor's degree in Engineering from the University of Illinois. He subsequently worked as a mechanical engineer specializing in HVAC systems for many years up until his retirement in his 70s. He served in the Army in Japan during the Korean war. He met and fell in love with his wife-to-be Barbara in his mid-twenties, and they subsequently enjoyed 62 wonderful years of marriage.
Jerry enjoyed traveling. He and Barbara especially enjoyed taking cruise vacations. He was also very fond of Disney World. He took pride in growing vegetables on his patio. He cherished time spent with friends, as well as his children and grandchildren. He was a long-time Cubs and Bears fan, despite many years of disappointing performance by his teams.
Jerry volunteered in the Railroad Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden for almost 20 years up until age 93, and loved talking to the kids who came to visit. He put in almost 4000 service hours, and was named the Botanic Garden's Volunteer of the Year in 2018. He was the first to be honored with Model Railroad Engineer Emeritus Status, earlier this year.
Jerry was the adored son of the late Benjamin and Sylvia "Sally" Podolsky; beloved husband of the late Barbara Podolsky, happily married 62 years; loving father of Steven (Jan), Gary (Ellyn) Podolsky and Deb (Dan) Hollowell; cherished grandfather of Alicia and Eric Podolsky; much loved brother of the late Ted (the late Jean) Podolsky and dear brother in-law of the late Byron (Suzi) Robin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org or Feeding America, www.feedingamerica.org. Chapel service Tuesday, Dec 13, 10:00 AM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment following at Shalom Memorial Park. Masks are required. For additional information, shiva and a link to view the service online, visit Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalom2.com, 847-255-3520.