Raymond Podraza

Raymond Podraza, resident of Houston, Texas died on Monday October 4th at the age of 78.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 53 years, Eva Lero Podraza, his son Matthew Podraza and wife Rajeanna, his son Robert Podraza, his grandchildren Zachary and Isaac Podraza, his brother Ernest Lee Podraza and wife LaVita, his sisters-in-law Beverly Bielamowicz and Patricia Lero, a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand nephews, and his lifelong friend Frank Babineck. He is predeceased by his mother Maggie Kapalski and his father Charlie Joe Podraza.

Raymond was born on May 1st, 1943, in Navasota Texas to Maggie and Charlie Podraza. He graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1961 and then earned his bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Houston in 1965.  Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Army in the NCO program, where he became the Battalion base commander’s assistant at his station in Germany.  He completed his tour and returned home in May of 1968 to Houston, Texas.

He married Eva Lero on August 17, 1968 and welcomed two sons – Matthew and Robert.  Raymond was a Certified Public Accountant, and in his career, he was employed by the IRS as an auditor, worked with the Social Security Administration, and was an entrepreneur with his own accounting firm.

Raymond was an avid reader.  He would read anything and everything – but his main interests were history, science, and Catholicism. When his sons were young, he founded and ran the Cub Scout program at St. Ambrose Catholic Church (Pack 540), where his sons both went through the program. Ray also had a love of video games – particularly analytical and strategy games, and he had a penchant and a talent for gambling – both at the casinos and at the dog track.  Raymond had a great, quiet, and quirky sense of humor.  Ray loved food and he loved conversation – he would seek out new restaurants to find and enjoy with his friends and family – and would engage them all in discussion when given the chance. Ray was a kind and gentle man, and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Monday, October 25th (Rosary at 7pm) at St. Ambrose Catholic Church – 4213 Mangum Road Houston, TX.  The Funeral Mass will also be held at St. Ambrose, on Tuesday, October 26 @ 10:30 am.  Internment will follow at the National Cemetery at 12:30pm (10410 Veterans Memorial Drive.)  There will be a reception with light food and beverages at St. Ambrose that will begin between 1:30-2pm.

Eva Podraza, and all of Ray’s family, are eternally grateful for your prayers, well-wishes, kind words and support during this difficult time.