With deep regret and great sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved pizzaman, Jayson Michael Poluka, 42, of Mooresville, N.C., on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
Jayson was born in Harrisburg, Pa., on February 8, 1982, and lived most of his childhood in Hazleton, Pa. After graduating from high school, he moved to Tempe, Ariz., where he earned a degree in construction management from Arizona State University.
Construction was his first passion; he loved knowing how things were built and seeing projects transition from dirt to a tower. Whenever he spoke about his work, it was often accompanied by a childlike giddiness and ear-to-ear smile.
Throughout his life, Jayson bravely battled a rare disease, VHL (Von Hippel-Lindau), which led to frequent medical challenges. What caused Jayson so much suffering was also the reason for his larger-than-life personality and drive. People gravitated toward him for his sense of humor, kindness, and easy-going nature, which built a lifelong, close-knit community that supported him through every life obstacle he encountered.
In keeping with his unwavering support for his wife’s ambitions, Jayson moved to Arlington, Va., eventually settling in Mooresville, N.C., where he pivoted his career to focus on his second passion: food. He established a community in Mooresville that helped pave the way for him to co-found Meadow’s Wood-Fired restaurant, which featured a menu heavily influenced by Jayson’s favorite childhood culinary experiences in the Northeast.
Jayson’s family and friends, especially his two sons, were the center of his universe and the motivation behind his fight through so much pain, particularly in recent years. His life’s mission was to provide for his children in any way possible against any challenge.
If we could rewrite the stars to bring him back, we would, as his absence leaves so much sorrow for those who deeply knew him. But knowing he is now free from earthly pain, we’ll find some level of peace. We will accept “it is what it is” just as he would have told us to. Rest easy, beloved son, friend, father, partner, and eternal family. You’re forever in our hearts.
Jayson was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Dominic Sacco; maternal grandmother, Adele Sacco; paternal grandfather, Michael Poluka; paternal grandmother, Dorothy Poluka; father, Dennis Poluka; and his dogs, Zeus and Rocco.
In addition to his mother, Angela Stasko, and bonus-father, Dave Stasko, he is survived by his wife, Kelly Connelly-Poluka, and two sons, Jameson and Callan Poluka. Jayson is also survived by many extended family members and friends he greatly cherished.
A public service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 249 W McLelland Avenue, Mooresville, N.C., on Saturday, September 7, at 2 p.m.
A private celebration of life for close family and friends of Jayson will be held at Meadow’s Wood-Fired, 823 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Suite 1-A, Mooresville, N.C., on Sunday, September 8, from 12 to 3 p.m.
Following the North Carolina services, a committal service to honor Jayson’s life will be held at R C Calvary Cemetery, 49 S Hunter Highway, Drums, PA, on Friday, September 20, at 10 a.m. at the gravesite or, in the event of rain, in the chapel. A luncheon will follow at Sandy Springs Country Club, 10 Clubhouse Drive, Drums, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Poluka Children’s Education Fund at https://www.gofundme.com/f/poluka-children-education-fund.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Poluka family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.