Obituary of Raymond Podeszwa

Raymond Podeszwa, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Bon Secours Hospital in Port Jervis, New York, and entered the loving embrace of his Lord and Savior. He was 86.

Born June 20, 1938, in Manhattan, New York, to Boleslaw and Sophie (Rossal) Podeszwa, Raymond lived a life filled with artistry, faith, and unwavering family devotion. On February 14, 1960, he married the love of his life, Theresa (Lucid) Podeszwa, at Holy Ghost Church in Brooklyn, New York. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising three children and welcoming six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren into their loving fold. His family was the unwavering center of his world, a source of immeasurable joy and pride.

Raymond spent his career as a graphic designer and a stock photographer. Raymond was a remarkably talented and accomplished artist, expressing his creativity through carving, painting, design, arranging, photography, and antique restoration. His passion led him to membership in the New York Art Directors Club and as an educator at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. His artistic legacy extends to prestigious commissions from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the American Folk Art Museum, and seven other museums across the United States.

A devoted parishioner of St. John Neumann Church in Lords Valley, Pennsylvania, Raymond was also a proud Knight of the St. John Neumann/Good Shepherd Council #12571, demonstrating his deep faith and commitment to his community. In his leisure time, he found solace and enjoyment in the quiet pursuit of fishing.

Raymond is survived by his beloved wife, Theresa; his three cherished children, TraCe Griesbach, Lisa Cashmere (Dennis) and Lauree Better (Warren); his six grandchildren, DJ Cashmere, Stephen Cashmere, Doug Griesbach, Sarah Kettles (Neil), Zach Griesbach and Shane Better; and his six great-grandchildren, Noah Griesbach, Logan Griesbach, Alexis Cashmere, Brooklyn Cashmere, Ollie Kettles and Gorgie Kettles. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Saint John Neumann Church, 705 Rte. 739, Hawley, PA 18428 with Rev. Edward Casey officiating.

In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations may be made in Raymond’s memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation by visiting (https://t2t.org/).

May his memory be a blessing.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Stroyan Funeral Home, 405 West Harford Street, Milford, Pennsylvania 18337 (www.stroyanfuneralhome.com).