Todd E. Polly, 43, of Valrico, Florida, passed away on July 18, 2026, in Sun City Center, Florida, after a courageous battle with leukemia.
Born in Syracuse, New York, Todd will be remembered for his quick wit, generous heart, legendary hugs, and remarkable ability to make people feel like they mattered. Whether he was sharing a perfectly timed movie quote, talking about cars, enjoying a craft beer, or making someone laugh with one of his unforgettable stories, life was simply more enjoyable with Todd around.
Curious by nature and always eager to learn, Todd had a passion for cars and could often diagnose a problem just by listening to an engine. He also built and repaired draft beer systems, combining his love of engineering with his appreciation for great craft beer. At work and in life, he never hesitated to share his knowledge. Many coworkers became lifelong friends because he took the time to teach, encourage, and genuinely care about others.
Five years ago, one swipe changed two lives when Todd met Barbara Correa. Together they built a relationship filled with laughter, trust, and countless simple moments, including quiet mornings over coffee and trips to the dog park with their beloved German Shepherd, Mia.
Although leukemia brought tremendous challenges and chronic pain, Todd rarely let others see his struggles. Instead, he continued to offer kindness, encouragement, humor, and unwavering support to those around him. His strength was matched only by his compassion.
Todd is survived by his beloved partner, Barbara Correa; his loving parents, Mark and Dawn Polly; his sister, Jill Duffy; his cherished nieces, Brittney and Ava; his nephews, Devin, Ryan, and Izach; his recently welcomed grandnephew, Dean; many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends. He also lovingly carried the memory of his stillborn sister, Brittaney, throughout his life.
In keeping with Todd’s wishes, he will be cremated. Celebrations of Life will be held in the coming months in Syracuse, New York, and Tampa Bay, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Todd left people better than he found them, and that is the legacy he leaves behind.
I will love you for the rest of my life. I miss you so much, babe.
Always loved and will be forever missed.This world will be sadder without you in it
Having met Todd through CNY Chive it was always fun hanging with him and he always wore a kind smile and was great at cheering those around him up. Rest peacefully Todd
I have loved this family since we first met, Todd was a great man, so very sorry about their loss
todd you were my brother always supported me when i needed just an ear always had fun working on the cars and going to cars and coffee or just having a beer ill never forget you I love you brother rest easy and save me a spot
I love you bro!..still doesn’t feel real but no matter how much time passes your name will always live through me, I know you’re burning through every tire imaginable up there while watching down on us..till Valhalla my brother
Todd words cannot describe the heartache I feel knowing we will never share a phone call, let alone some father and son time together just to hanging out and talk! I love you and miss you so much Todd. Rest in Peace!
Todd you truely were a good friend and was always down to help if you could I will always remember the cooks out rest well and fit high an burn some rubber for me
Todd was like sunshine on a cloudy day. It was always a fun time whenever he would stop by to visit in his travels, whether in the Catskill mountains or the in the hills of Tennessee. He had a wonderful sense of humor and we shared a love of German Shepherds that we would talk about. Todd took a piece of our hearts in our family and made our world a little darker….rest in blessed peace, nephew, and we’ll see you later!
Todd I wish we had more time here on this earth to get to know one another. I will forever cherish our visit last February which was unplanned but so perfect. My faith is strong but shaken. Rest in peace knowing Barbara and Mark are well cared for. See you again someday.
Mark and Dawn,
I am very sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences! As your cousin Mark, we are separated by loss of contact for many years, and also many distant miles, but we are still family!
Your tribute to your son, speaks volumes! Thoughts and prayers are with you!