Samuel Byrnes Podolsky

Sam was born in Salt Lake City on November 29, 1979, the third and youngest child of Nano and Gil Podolsky. He graduated from Judge Memorial High School, where he played lacrosse and was voted both Best Personality and Funniest by his classmates. He began college at the University of Arizona, where he almost joined a fraternity before having a eureka moment. He then transferred to San Francisco State University, graduating in 2002 and later earning an MBA from the same institution. He worked in residential real estate in San Francisco for over a decade before moving to Dallas for several years. He eventually returned to Salt Lake during the pandemic to help care for his ailing mother. He was in the process of transitioning to a career in financial services when he passed away unexpectedly.

Sam’s magnetic charm, genuine warmth, and unparalleled sense of humor made him popular in any room. He could make a connection with anyone, anywhere, from scary DMV clerks to everyone’s mother-in-law. He stayed in touch with his friends across the decades and was absolutely devoted to his mother. He relished finding- and occasionally contributing to- the absurdity in everyday life. From his teenage years as an accomplished graffiti artist to middle age, as the uncle who sent contraband candy to his nieces and nephew at summer camp, Sam was a patron saint of friendly mayhem. He was also known for sending thoughtful, personalized gifts to family, friends and coworkers out of the blue. Sam loved animals—even his terrifically unlikable cat Turtle—and was a regular volunteer at Salt Lake County Animal Services. He was a committed Utah Jazz fan and appreciated grass jelly desserts in a way few white people do.

For all of his goofiness, Sam was quietly very smart. He could instantly recognize a flimsy argument, manage complicated business transactions, and dismantle a list of Republican talking points with ease. He was a talented writer who infused emails, letters, and Reddit posts with his particular spark, empathy, and insight. He was quirkily curious, and had particular affection for horror movies, rap battles, and historical trivia; one can imagine him sweeping the world’s oddest game of Jeopardy.

Sam’s moments of happiness were few and far between in the last years of his life. He struggled mightily to overcome his alcoholism, but was actively trying to look forward, recently adopting a dog with his dad, planning trips to see friends, and enrolling in professional coursework.

Sam is survived by his family, including parents, Nano and Gil Podolsky; sisters, Susan and Laura Podolsky; brother-in-law Josh Barkan; his nieces Sasha, Lila and Lucy; and his nephew Jonah. His friends, many of whom became family to him and to all of the Podolskys—particularly Jim Touchstone, Jesse LeBlanc, Daniel Tran and Marc Lasater– supported Sam at his highest and lowest points throughout the years. During his recent time in Salt Lake, Erika and Joaquin Mixco provided rock-solid love, acceptance, and assistance as well.

If Sam were around to see the heartbreak his death has caused, he would be horrified. But he would also caution us that becoming lost in our grief is its own misery, and he would push us instead to honor his memory by bringing humor and kindness to the world.

A celebration of life will be held in early September. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Best Friends Animal Shelter at http://support.bestfriends.org/goto/SamPodolskyMemorial