MICHAEL PODESZWA
Michael Anthony Podeszwa, 60, of Pataskala, OH, formerly of Wheeling, WV, departed this life on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at AlterCare in Newark, OH. He was born on November 24, 1964, in Wheeling, WV, son of the late Thomas Michael (Tom) Podeszwa and Christina Rose (Tina) DiCresce. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his only brother, David, and uncles, Edmund (Jack) Podeszwa and Dominick DiCresce. He was Catholic by faith.
Michael graduated from John Marshall High School in 1983 and West Virginia Northern Community College in 1986 with an Associate of Science degree in Engineering. He received an AutoCAD certification from Belmont Technical College in 1987.
After serving as a drafting technician for Cerrone and Associates, Inc. in Wheeling, WV, for eight years (1984-1992), Michael moved to Columbus, OH, where he worked for the civil engineering department of URS Consultants, Inc., for 13 years (1992-2005). Michael subsequently held roles at Dynotec, Inc. (2006-2012) and MS Consultants, Inc. (2012-2016), both in Columbus, as a senior AutoCAD designer and technician. During his tenure, Michael was responsible for technical design and oversight of several capital improvement projects for the City of Columbus, including HAP Cremean, Dublin Road, Parsons Avenue Water Upgrades, and other municipal water/wastewater treatment facility projects.
In addition to his civil engineering roles, Michael was sole proprietor of his photography company, Photography by MAP, which focused primarily on senior portraiture, family event documentation, and weddings. He was known for his photojournalistic style and received statewide recognition for capturing candid engagement and bridal images that surprised and delighted his clients.
Michael’s favorite past times, aside from photography, included watching classic 70s movies and television shows, eating out (his favorite dinner was liver and onions), and tending to his beloved cats.
Those left to cherish his memory include his aunt, Teresa DiCresce Millhouse Marcon and her son, Richard Millhouse and his family; his great aunt Patricia Podeszwa Templeton and her husband, Kenneth; his aunt, Christine Chafin Podeszwa; his close friend of 25 years, Debra Fitch; as well as numerous cousins and friends.
A graveside service was held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Wheeling, WV, on December 9, 2025, where he was laid to rest with his family.
Donations in memory of Michael Podeszwa may be made to Licking County Humane Society, 825 Thornwood, Dr., SW, Heath, OH 43056, or a charity of your choice.