Thomas Edward Poturica, age 71, born in Parma Heights, OH, completed his 18 holes of life and headed to the 19 th hole in heaven on October 1 st , 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas J. and Wanda Poturica. We believe he was met by his dad with a cold one ready for him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40.75 years, Becky (Mary Beth Stavole), and children Kalie (Ryan) Gross, Kyle (Amber) Poturica, and Kelsi Poturica (Sami Harmal). He was blessed with nine grandchildren: Eli, Adrian, Caius, Isabella, Parker, Oakland, Laila, Adam, and Musa. Tom is also survived by his sister Linda (Chandler) Stalvey, in-laws C. Anthony and Mary Lou Stavole, and many relatives, friends, and co-workers nationally and internationally.
Tom attended Padua Franciscan High School with a music scholarship and graduated in 1970. He was employed by IBM and moved to Rochester, MN with the company in 1984 after assignments in Burlington, VT, and Cleveland, OH. His fifty-one-year IBM career was marked by many innovations, awards, and promotions. A creative and innovative man, in 1996 Tom co-created and co-owned Millenium Communications which was the first internet provider in Rochester, MN.
Tom never shied away from adventure. He was a licensed pilot, a certified scuba diver, an accomplished hockey player, and a gun enthusiast. He took multiple trips touring the country on his motorcycle. He cherished the many local and international trips he took with his wife, family, and friends and always sought new experiences. Since moving to Brunswick in 2021, Tom spent a lot of time reconnecting with friends from his younger years. He had a gift for making friends wherever he went. All will miss his big heart, infectious humor, unending generosity, and willingness to help wherever needed.
In lieu of flowers Tom would appreciate donations to:
Class of 1970 Scholarship Fund
c/o Padua Franciscan High School
6740 State Rd. Parma, OH 44134.
The Greg Jones Golf Academy at Bunker Hill Golf Club Bunker Hill Golf Course
c/o Chad Gibson re: Tom Poturica
3060 Pearl Rd. Medina, OH 44256.
https://birdease.com/TomPoturica
Friends and family may be received at The Zabor Funeral Home, 5680 Pearl Rd, Parma (between Snow & Ridge Rds.) Sunday, October 8 from 1:00 to 5:00pm.
PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH for the Mass of Christian burial at St. Anthony of Padua 6750 State Rd, Parma Monday, October 9th at 10:00am, f ollowed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.