Thomas Francis Powanda

Mr. Thomas (Tom) Francis Powanda was the second child born to Thomas Michael and Jackie Powanda in Bayonne, New Jersey. After attending the local Catholic schools, Tom graduated from Middlesex High School and later earned a Bachelor of Art degree in psychology from University of Notre Dame in 1979.

Tom began his career in the private sector where he, at one time, held a job as a corporate headhunter. However he spent most of his years in education as a middle school science teacher and basketball coach. In Mr. Powanda’s class, you learned how essential it was to be able to write, and to do it well. In his most recent post in the Gainesville City Schools, he eagerly rose to the occasion when asked to organize a robotics team. During the summers, Tom worked with an enrichment program for students in the middle grades to ensure their college readiness and their physical wellness.

After his illness in the fall of 2011, Tom affiliated himself with Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Alpharetta. This was an outward manifestation of an inner faith that had never wavered. He lived his faith in his daily interactions. One of his supervisors at Gainesville High shares: “Tom was always doing things for others! He always went beyond the call of duty in the classroom and as a coach. On his birthday instead of accepting gifts, he gave to others…He was a wonderful coach, friend but more importantly a husband and father.”

Mr. Powanda leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Mrs. Melanie Miller Powanda, and three adoring children: Megan (age 23), Tyler (age 21), and Sarah (age 17). He is also survived by his father, Mr. Thomas Michael Powanda (Middlesex, New Jersey) and five siblings: Mrs. Maryann Stefanchik, Mr. Stephen Powanda, Gregory Powanda, Jeffrey Powanda, and Michael Powanda. He will also be fondly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, colleagues and friends. A service to Celebrate the life of Tom will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at the Chapel of Roswell Funeral Home at 2:00 PM, Father Thomas Flood officiating. Interment will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery. The Family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Roswell Funeral Home is in charge of Arrangements.