Anthony "Jack" John Podurgiel

Preston-Anthony John “Jack” Podurgiel, age 88, of Preston, passed away at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London on December 14, 2023. He was born in Norwich on April 15, 1935 to the late Eva and Tony Podurgiel.

Jack was inducted in the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday, May 17th 1998 for his accomplishments in basketball and baseball. He was an avid bowler, scoring two perfect 300 games. He was also an avid golfer, receiving a ‘hole in one” recognition. He worked as a manager at Pfizer for over 30 years. He served six months active military training under the Reserve Forces Act Program at Fort Bliss, TX.

Jack was known as the “Mayor” of Lynn Drive, always busy helping all his neighbors. He took great pride in his beautiful gardens, quite a master. He loved his family and friends whole heartedly. His contagious laughter, joyous personality, silly jokes, and zest for life will be forever cherished. Truly one of a kind, the best of the best, will be forever loved and deeply missed beyond measure by all who were blessed to have known him.

Besides his loving wife Carolyn Podurgiel, he leaves behind a sister Elaine (Ron) Ross, sons John (Michelle) Podurgiel, Joseph (Donna) Podurgiel, James (Nancy) Podurgiel, Richard (Patricia) Podurgiel and daughter Sherri (Robert) Neville. He is also survived by grandchildren Joey and Justine Podurgiel, Allison and Amanda Cilley, Samantha (Curtis) D’Anna, Steven (Kate) Podurgiel, Zachary Podurgiel, Anthony Podurgiel and Erika Podurgiel and great grandchildren Timothy and Maisie D’Anna, Makenzie Podurgiel, Kayleigh Shenton, and Alexandria Smith. He is predeceased by a brother Paul Podurgiel.

Family and friends may visit Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Ave., Norwich on Friday, December 22nd from 10 AM until the time of the funeral home service at 11 AM. Please visit www.labenskifuneralhome.com to leave an online condolence for Jack’s family.