Joseph Podorski

Joseph I Podorski, Jr. of St. Louis passed away Sunday, July 7 at St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis at the age of 94. Joseph was born in St. Louis on September 22, 1924.

Joseph was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather, a trusted friend, a hard-working entrepreneur and a proud US Navy Veteran.

After serving in the US Navy during World War II, Joseph owned his own wholesale meat distributorship for over 20 years. He purchased Halls Ferry Inn Restaurant in North County in 1967 and sold the business to his son in 1973. He also proudly served in multiple officer positions in the USS Rich DE 695 Survivor’s Association over the years, including Chairman. Through it all, he worked tirelessly in helping whoever he could with odd jobs, and he always enjoyed the company and conversation with his friends.

Joseph is survived by:

A brother: Anthony Podorski and wife Nancy of Florida

A sister: Lucille Smith of Texas

Three Children: Barbara Lynn Summers of Lake Orion, Michigan; Gerald Paul Podorski and wife Karen of St. Charles, Missouri; and Stanley Mark Podorski and partner Sherry Lea of Salem, Missouri.

Four Grandchildren: Scott Summers, Jeffrey Summers and wife Mandy, Jennifer Podorski and Kathryn Podorski.

Three Great Grandchildren: Austin Summers, Samantha Summers and Addison Summers.

Special friend: Elaine Stuppy

Plus many nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.

He is proceeded in death by his parents: Joseph I Podorski, Sr. and Martha (Sobocinski) Podorski; wife, Alta (Bernstorff) Podorski; and son, Joseph Bruce Podorski

A Celebration of his Life will be held at his Chesterfield residence on Saturday, July 27th from 1:00 to 3:00.

A private graveside service for family will be held at the Bellefontaine Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to your preferred veterans’ organization.

2 Comments

  1. Scott Epton on July 11, 2019 at 12:28 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.



  2. Brian Allers on July 16, 2019 at 12:16 pm

    Gerry and Family:

    I’m sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. He was very kind to me at my Grandfather’s funeral two years ago (Alan Allers). In addition, I want you to know the role he played in shaping my Dad’s strong work ethic, which he still carries with him today. Joe gave my Dad one of his first jobs as a teenager at Halls Ferry Inn – first as a dishwasher and later as a cook. To this day, he still talks about the wonderful memories he had working for Joe…how he learned to work hard… And how much joy he had working there. To this day, my family still believes the best pizza in the world was at Halls Ferry Inn. My thoughts are with your family.

    Sincerely,

    Brian Allers



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