James Aloysius Ponitz

JAMES ALOYSIUS PONITZ
Of Wilmerding, PA, passed away peacefully at UPMC East Hospital on Sunday, June 24, 2018, at the age of 93, following a brief illness. He leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth “Jean” Ponitz; his daughters, Mary Beth Ponitz and Karen Brendlinger, wife of the late Timothy; his son, James Ponitz; his sister, Loretta Szuba, wife of the late Stephen; his brother, Edward Ponitz and wife, Joanne; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Norman and Sylvia Arendas; two beloved grandpuppies, Bailey and Jameson; many nieces and nephews and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Elizabeth (Bridge) Ponitz; and his sister, Rita Colclaser and her husband Joseph; his sisters, Anna Mae, Monica and Joanne; his brother, Charles; his grandpuppy, Nash and his faithful companion, Tiny Tim. Born in North Irwin, PA, his family moved to Wall, PA, where he met his future bride, before the family moved to Wilmerding, PA. After graduating from Westinghouse Memorial High School in 1942, he fulfilled his civic duty by enlisting in the United States Army. He served in Korea during World War II. After his military duty, he was employed by the Westinghouse Air Brake in Wilmerding, PA. He married his beloved on July 5, 1952 at St. Aloysius Church in Wilmerding. In 1960, he began a new career with Interstate United Vending Company, later known, as Canteen, until his retirement. An avid Notre Dame football fan, he made yearly pilgrimages to South Bend, Indiana, with his friends, Frank Cone and Eddie Remicz to watch his beloved Fighting Irish. He also enjoyed traveling with his son to sports memorabilia conventions across the US. He was a longtime member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 17 and a lifetime member of St. Aloysius Church, now known as, St. Jude the Apostle in Wilmerding. Family and friends will be received at the ALFIERI FUNERAL HOME, INC., 201 Marguerite Ave., Wilmerding, PA 15148, (412) 824-4332. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 26, 2018 and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 27, 2018. Parting prayers at the funeral home on Thursday at 9 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Jude the Apostle, Wilmerding. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery with military honors.
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