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William

(H.)

Podolny

Obituary

William H. Podolny of Manchester, died Wednesday, January 23, 2013, age 88. Bill was an engineer and an innovator. Bill joined Pratt and Whitney as an engineer at a time of great change. After the end of World War II the need to develop jet engines was recognized as essential for the company. There were established competitors and creation of design capabilities was needed quickly. Bill made essential contributions to this extraordinary effort in compressor design technology within Pratt and Whitney. Ultimately the J57 jet engine and a derivative JT3D engine achieved exceptional success in military applications and airline applications. These engines and those that followed established a superior efficiency and thrust capability. Bill’s original work, continued technical innovation and managerial capabilities were well recognized. As a result he was given the opportunity and responsibility for a new pioneering effort in fuel cell engineering and development. Under his guidance Pratt & Whitney acquired the patent rights to the Bacon alkali fuel cell technology. Bill and his team convinced NASA that the 70% conversion of fuel to energy plus a sole by-product of pure water was ideal for providing electric power in space. The Pratt & Whitney fuel cell was a major contributor to the success of the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. Although he became blind from glaucoma, he continued to manage his unit and promote the use of fuel cells. Bill’s division was eventually spun off as a separate company, International Fuel Cells that was jointly owned by United Technologies and Toshiba. Following his retirement Bill was acknowledged in Japan where he was named “Mr. Fuel Cell” and by his receipt of the Sir William Grove Medal in Europe in 1995. Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Irma and is survived by his three sons, one daughter, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. No services were held at his request. In lieu of flowers, donations to Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation are appreciated. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford.

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William Podolny

(H.)

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From: Bud & Pat Williams

From Linwood, NC

Posted On: February 3, 2013

Bill's passing marks the end of an era the likes of which may never be seen again. Bill's vision put UTC's fuel cell products at the cutting edge of technology, and for those of us who made a career working in the field of fuel cells, he was definitely a giant among men. My personal involvement was with the Apollo and Space Shuttle fuel cells as the customer engineering repre-sentative, and Pat worked for many years as an Administrative Assistant at SWEF. Bill will be missed by all who knew him.
With deepest sympathy. Bud and Pat Williams, Linwood, NC

From: Scott Malinowski

From South Windsor, CT

Posted On: January 28, 2013

Worked for many years at the South Windsor Fuel Cell facility
under Bill's leadership, and am extremely appreciative of what I learned and experienced during that time.

From: Al Eggen

From Ashford, CT

Posted On: January 28, 2013

An era in engineering is over. I was a young engineer in the afterburner group when Bill was head of the neighboring compressor group. Everyone knew and respected him - he was the local rock star!

From: Barbara DeLuco

From Fort Mill, SC

Posted On: January 28, 2013

My deepest sympathy to all of Bill's family. I was one of Bill's Administrative Assistant until his retirement. We remained in contact all these years and have had many lunch and dinners whenever I traveled to CT. We last spoke on the telephone on his birthday. I will miss him dearly. He was such a smart man and a "one of a kind" in my book. Beneath his tough exterior was a compassionate and caring man. May he rest in peace.

From: Jim Babcock

From Glastonbury, CT

Posted On: January 29, 2013

Like many, in Bill Podolny I've lost a good friend who was also a business leader for whom I had much respect. Our loss of such friends seems to occur all too often but losing a father is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a sorrowful experience no matter when it occurs. My heartfelt sympathy to all of Bill's family..

From: Ed & Diane Ducharme

From Pawcatuck, CT

Posted On: January 31, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to Bill's family. We worked under Bill's leadership for many years and have so many fond memories from our days working and so many good times shared after our retirements. We will especially miss our annual lobster fest with Bill and a few mutual friends at our home in Stonington. We will miss Bill and may he rest in peace with his beloved Irma.

From: Cheryl Cooley

From Manchester, CT

Posted On: January 24, 2013

So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He will be greatly missed. I worked with your Dad from the mid-1970s until his retirement. So many fond memories. I was also part of the crew that would visit mutual friends in Stonington every year for the lobster fest. I'm still working at UTC Power (formerly UTC Fuel Cells) and I know we would not be here today if it were not for your Dad and all his efforts to keep us going through the many lean years. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.

From: Vern & Phyllis Eklund

From Rockford, IL

Posted On: January 24, 2013

We are really sorry to hear about Bill. He was a great friend and we had many good times working and flying. Our old airplane is now in Illinois I'm told. Will have to go see it sometime. Our greetings and condolences to all the family.

Vern and Phyllis

From: Tom McKiernan

From Enfield, CT

Posted On: January 26, 2013

Sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I worked at IFC at the same time as your dad.

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