Arthur Podell

OXFORD - Arthur J. Podell, 78, of Walnut St., died Wednesday, April 14, 2010, in his home. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Jean L. (Steele) Podell of Oxford who died in 2008. He is survived by two children, David A. Podell and his wife Rhonda of Webster, and Linda J. Osienski and her husband Steven of Bennington, NH; five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and five nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by a brother, Robert Podell of Revere. He was born in Lynn, the son of the late Joseph C. and Anna M. (Milanskas) Podell, and lived in Oxford for the past 52 years. He graduated from Sanford High School in Sanford, Maine. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War, where he served as a sonarman aboard the U.S.S. Brownson. He was appointed ship photographer by the captain. Mr. Podell worked at Wyman-Gordon in Worcester and North Grafton for over 30 years, retiring in 1995. He was a member of the U.S. Steelworker's Union #2285 in Worcester and the Singletary Rod and Gun Club in Oxford. Mr. Podell could fix anything, including electronics, cars, and anything mechanical, and enjoyed fixing things for friends, family, and neighbors. He was an avid fisherman and liked to take family and friends with him fishing. He was a devoted family man and unconditionally dedicated to his wife Jean. From his letters written to her from his time in the service, to the love he showed to her throughout their marriage, he served an example to everyone of what a husband and father should be. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 19, 2010, at Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. Military burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Sunday, April 18, 2010, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701, or to the VNA Care Hospice, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608.