Obituaries/Viewings
John L. Pontzer | 92
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John L. Pontzer, 92, a resident of St. Martha’s Villa, Downingtown, PA, and formerly of St. Marys, PA, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023, at St. Martha’s Villa.
He was born February 20, 1931, in St. Marys, son of the late Raymond and Helen Victoria Smith Pontzer, Sr. He was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of St. Marys Public High School, Class of 1949. John spent most of his working career as an employee and officer of the family business, Corbett Cabinet Company.
On November 10, 1956, in the Queen of the World Church, John married Norma Jean Seelye. They shared over 59 years of marriage, prior to her passing on April 7, 2016.
John and Jean were blessed with three children and he is survived by, Gloria Guericke (Husband- Vern) of NM, John Pontzer (Wife- Bobbie) of VA , and Wanda (Shutt) Bryant (Husband- Richard) of PA and her two children: Emily Victoria (Shutt) Paulson (Husband- Alex), and John Daniel Shutt (Wife- Vanessa). John is also survived by his sister, Sara Matava of Colorado Springs, CO.
John was also preceded in death by his brother Raymond Pontzer, Jr, and his youngest grandson, Thomas James Shutt.
John was a lifelong member of the Queen of the World Church prior to moving to Downingtown, PA, where he was a member of the St. Joseph Church. He enjoyed wood turning, model railroading, and making rosaries. He had a passion for cats all his life, and enjoyed budgie birds.
Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Friday, September 15, 2023, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Queen of the World Church on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 10:00 AM, with the Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Elk County Humane Society, 1029 East Eashbach Road, St Mary’s, PA 15857, or Penn Highlands Community Nurses, 757 Johnsonburg Road, Suite 200, St. Marys, PA 15857.
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What an unassuming, gentleman John was. His legacy of his Rosaries will long be remembered by all of St. Marys. He made such an indelible mark on Queen of the World with his master woodworking. Rest in Peace John. My sincere condolences to his family, who took such good care of him by moving him closer to their family.
To John’s Family:
My deepest condolences to each and everyone of you. I came to know both John and Jean from my working days at Northwest Bank in St. Marys. Your parents were extremely loving caring people to one another and to everyone they came in contact with. It was always my pleasure to take care of their banking needs. The most important part was the conversation that we would have all about his wood making and birds. My gift from your father was a beautiful hand crafted bowl and Cardinal Bird which I have cherished though the years. May the Lord give you peace in your hearts now knowing that your parents are now together again watching birds and loving one another.