Anthony “Tony” Poderis

ANTHONY J. “TONY” PODERIS age 86, beloved husband for 27 years of Joyce M. Braun; loving father of Reed (wife Alissa) of NV and Joy Poderis ~ children of Joanne Poderis; devoted grandfather of Frank Zamecnik and Jacob Poderis; cherished son of the late Anthony and Mary (nee Zelinski); dearest brother of the late Edward (wife Patricia).

Tony was born September 27, 1931 in Nanticoke, PA and passed away October 17, 2017 peacefully surrounded by his family in his home at Grace Woods in Willoughby. Tony proudly served as the very first Director of Development for The Cleveland Orchestra from 1972 to 1992. After retiring, he used his talents to consult with organizations in the U.S., Mexico, and around the world. Preparation was the hallmark of the presentations and workshops he gave at home, in other countries, and on cruise ships. No one was better at carrying the message of the role of a development officer and the techniques of fundraising.

In 1996, Tony took that message to an even broader audience with his book It’s a Great Day to Fund-Raise, and soon after with the website he founded, www.Raise-Funds.com. The book is generally regarded as one of the best on development, and the free website continues to draw thousands of visitors per week to its how-to articles on fundraising.

Tony loved volunteering his time and giving back, reading, music, meeting people and traveling the world to assist fundraising efforts. Tony’s family always gave him the most enjoyment in his life, and he was “The best dad in the whole world.” Tony is described by family and friends as an outgoing, very intelligent man with a great vocabulary. He had a profound sense of humor and made everyone around him laugh. Tony will be greatly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Tony to Breckenridge Life Care Fund, 36855 Ridge Rd., Willoughby, OH 44094. Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. Mass of Christian Burial Monday, November 6, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. Noel Church, 35200 Chardon Rd, Willoughby Hills. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Tony at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD Sunday, November 5, 2017 at 1-4 PM.