FUNERALS
TOM PODHAISKY, 79, (Obit)
By BATES-GOULD FUNERAL HOME
Oct 27, 2007 - 3:52:16 AM

Thomas C. Podhaisky, 79, passed away Oct. 23, 2007 in Henderson, NV. He was born Feb. 12, 1928 in Omaha, NE, and moved to Alliance in 1930 with his parents Helen and Charlie Podhaisky.

He graduated from St. Agnes Academy High School in 1946, served two years in the US Army, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1952. He was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. It was at UNL where he met and married his wife of 57 years, Roxanna Elias.

Tom shared ownership of Podhaisky Insurance and Real Estate in Alliance with his father for 41 years before retiring in 1993. He and Roxie moved to Laughlin, NV in 1999, and then to Henderson in 2001.

While in Alliance, Tom contributed to the community in countless ways. He was prominent as a member of the Alliance City Council for several terms, and served one year as interim mayor. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, Eagles, VFW, Rotary Club, and was a Captain in the US Air Force Reserve, serving as a recruiter.

Tom was active in his parish at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. He was a lector, a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus, and served as a member of the Parish Council. He was also a member of the first school board at St. Agnes Academy.

He enjoyed his many volunteer activities in Alliance, among them coaching the White Sox in the Little League for 17 years, and teaching Life Saving classes for the Red Cross. Before Parkinsons slowed him down, he enjoyed pheasant hunting, golfing, boating, playing blackjack, arranging football pools with Paul Kunzman, and morning coffee breaks with Art Reynolds and the boys at the donut shop. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his compassion, his hard work and dedication to his wife and family.

Tom is lovingly remembered by his wife Roxie, sister Patricia Della Croce of San Mateo, CA; four sons, Chuck of Henderson, Jim of Glendale, CA, Gary of Richland, WA (Jodi), and John of Henderson. Also four daughters, Nancy Ariniello (Alex) of Boulder, CO, Mary Gillin (Ed), of Livonia, NY, Julie Kelly (Pat) of Fort Worth, TX, and Sister Patty Podhaisky of Denver, CO. He will be missed by grandchildren Libby McCartney (Matt), Tony, Ted and Jackie Ariniello; Mike, Aggie and Jim Gillin; Lindsay, Bridget and Jack Kelly; Sophie, Max and Olivia Podhaisky; and Allie and Erin Podhaisky; and great granddaughters Cate and Janie McCartney.

A rosary will be recited at Holy Rosary Church on Sunday evening at 7 pm, and a funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 27 at 10 am at Holy Rosary. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday, Oct. 26 from 1-5 p.m. at the funeral home and at the wake service at the church.

Contributions may be made in his name to the Sisters of St. Francis, Marycrest, at 2851 W. 52nd Ave., Denver, CO, 80221. The St. Agnes Foundation at 1104 Cheyenne Ave., Alliance, NE, 69301, or to an organization of the donors choice. Cards may be sent to Roxie Podhaisky at 2325 Windmill Parkway #1411, Henderson, NV 89074.

Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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