Eugene "Gene" A. Podrazik

Eugene (Gene) Anthony Podrazik, age 94, passed into eternal life on October 18, 2023, at his home in Barrington, Illinois. His earthly life was one of unending love and service to his wife of 66 years, Mary, his children Eugene, Paula (Julian) Tunno, Rachel (Wayne) Baer, Maura (Stan) Gonsalves, Jenny, Meta (Tim) Carroll, and his grandchildren, Lauren Gonsalves, Alexander Gonsalves, Sydney Podrazik, Max Baer, Fallon (Brandon) Benson, Abby Baer, Callie Tunno, Colin Carroll, Emily Tunno, and Madeleine Carroll.

Gene was born on July 23, 1929, in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood to the late Peter and Katherine (Rdzak) Podrazik, the youngest of seven children. Gene served in the U.S Army in Germany during the Korean War, then resumed his education. With the support of his brother Wally, he graduated with a degree in English from DePaul University. One of his English professors “thought he could write,” which led to a writing/editing career with the Wall Street Journal, and specialization in reporting on commodities markets, under the mentorship of the late John McWethy. Gene then had a decades-long career in public relations at the Chicago Board of Trade, before retiring at age 72.

Gene met his wife Mary Liszka at a DePaul evening class where they studied Shakespeare together. They married in 1957 and moved to Barrington in 1971. Gene and Mary’s focus was the loving education and raising of their children to lives of service. Gene taught his children a deep appreciation for music and literature, how to write and edit with confidence, and that laughter is indeed the best medicine. His wise counsel was informed by kindness, knowledge, and dry wit. Gene and Mary took every opportunity to cheer for their children and grandchildren through their academic, sports, and performing arts pursuits. Gene’s lifelong struggle with coronary artery disease was met with patient adherence to healthy practices, and he led a full and active life with the endless support of his wife and an amazing medical community. Gene loved working outdoors and landscaping. He read extensively, starting each day with the Wall Street Journal. A parishioner of St. Anne in Barrington, Gene found peace and strength in his Catholic faith.

Gene is now united in heaven with his beloved parents, his daughter Jenny, and his siblings, Stanley, Edward, Walter, Helen, Annie, and John.

We welcome friends and family to celebrate Gene in your thoughts and prayers, and to join us at visitation on Sunday, October 22, from 2-6 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149 West Main Street, Barrington. We also welcome visitation on Monday, October 23, from 10-11 a.m. at St. Anne, 120 Ela St., Barrington, then Mass at 11 a.m., and burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington.