Paul Podraza
Marine |
Paul Stanley Podraza, 74, died Monday, January 10, peacefully at home in Marine, Illinois.
Born September 3, 1947, he was the oldest son of the late Stanley M. Podraza and Jane S. Podraza (Vesci) and grew up in Granite City, Illinois.
He was a loving son, brother, father, and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.
A natural born people person, Paul excelled at sales. It did not matter what the product was, whether mobile homes, art prints, or shampoo, he knew how to make people feel good about their buying decision. In fact, early in life, he was so good at selling street-based pharmaceuticals the Federal Bureau of Prisons invited him to be a guest.
After deciding to never take an involuntary vacation at a correctional center again, Paul had a successful career with his wife and partner, Joan, over the course of three decades as the owners and operators of a popular hair salon, Planet Granite, and as real estate investors.
Paul never met a stranger. He made friends everywhere he went and had a knack for really listening to people and a genuine interest in the lives of others. A world-class talker, he was always happy to share stories about his over-the-top adventures – which only got better as he aged. He was also an avid collector of coins, watches, sports memorabilia, shoes, and a lot of other stuff that his family doesn’t know what to do with. One never to avoid risks, he enjoyed gambling and was a tournament-winning poker player. In addition to being a life-long fitness enthusiast and bodybuilder, he spent countless hours outdoors on a riding lawnmower. Trees and shrubs across the bi-state region can now rest easy at night knowing their next severe pruning has been stayed with his passing.
Paul is survived by his wife, Joan Podraza (Miller), brother Jerry Podraza, children Paul Podraza, Jeff Podraza, and Jamie Wasser-Goforth, and grandchildren Willow Podraza, Madelyne Podraza, Kalissa Wasser, and Skylar Podraza. He was predeceased by his father and mother, and sister, Tina Holland (Podraza).
Per Paul’s wishes no service will be held. Family and friends will be notified soon regarding a memorial to celebrate Paul’s life. Donations may be made in Paul’s memory to the Siteman Cancer Center, https://siteman.wustl.edu/give/, and MO Min Pin Rescue, https://www.mominpinrescue.org/.
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home
