Craig "Podo" A. Podolski

Craig Arthur Podolski, 45, affectionately known as Mr. Podo by his students, passed away from a cardiac event in the early morning hours of March 2, 2025 at Advocate Good Shepard Hospital in Barrington, IL.

Craig was born in Royal Oak, MI on November 16, 1979, the third child of 4 siblings. After moving to Illinois in elementary school, he went on to graduate from Libertyville Highschool in 1998. He applied to only one college and was thankful to attend and graduate from The University of Michigan with a major in Sports Management and a minor in Kinesiology. After of few years working with the Chicago Bears, he went back to school to find his true passion, teaching. At the time of his death, he was teaching 8th grade English at Aptakisic Junior high and was previously at Lake Zurich Middle School North. He also coached girls volleyball, girls basketball, and boys basketball. He was cherished by both students and colleagues alike.

In August 2010, Craig met his beautiful wife Susan and they became engaged in 2011 and were married October 2, 2012. Craig and Susan went on to have two beautiful children, Aubrey Judith, born October 6, 2014, and Wyatt Craig, born March 15, 2016. The family resided in Lake Zurich, IL. Craig was a very involved father, always encouraging his kids to find their passion and cheering them on in sports, music and education. Craig always emphasized the importance of charity and standing up for what’s right and that legacy will continue through his wife and children.

Craig was so special to so many. His humor and smile will be remembered by all as he touched the lives of so many people. He will be deeply missed but live on through our cherished memories of him.

Craig is survived by his wife Susan; his children, Aubrey and Wyatt; his parents, Richard and Judith; brother Steve and wife Meredith; sister Jennifer Steele and Fiancé Kevin Jobin; sister Sarah Trantham and husband Ross Trantham. He is also survived by his loving nieces and nephews and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Craig is preceded in death by his grandparents, Arthur and Barbara Masserang, Frank and Geraldine Podolski; his uncles Thomas Masserang and Michael Masserang; his aunt Marianne Masserang; and his cousin Jaclyn Scott.

In true Craig fashion, the family requests very casual dress wear to honor the man who loathed dressing up and who wore tshirts and flip flops in the dead of winter. Services will be held Saturday, March 8th at 10:00am at Davenport Family Funeral Home in Lake Zurich, IL.

In lieu of flowers a GoFundMe is set up to support Susan and the children during this difficult time, click here to donate online.

In addition to the GoFundMe, a trust is being set up for Aubrey and Wyatt and all will be updated upon its completion, thank you.