Eugene C. Pondo Jr., age 82, husband of the late Mary M. (Sowizdral), passed away peacefully on May 31, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Gene leaves behind his children Jeanmarie Pondo (Jack), Julia Meachem (Bill), Eugene Pondo lll (Roxanne), John Pondo (Stacy), Joshua Pondo (Marcie). He was the father of the late Judith Sherwood (David).

His legacy will live on in his grandchildren: Jeremy, Thomas, Carman, James, Samantha, Brittany, Christopher, Eugene lV, Kelsey, Mary Elizabeth, Curtis, Michael, Amelia, Marleen, Luke, Zachary, Megan, Nate and Katherine. His great-grandchildren: Laana, Christina, Aubrey, Morgan, Tristan, Logan, Damien, James, Gabby, C.J., Isabella, Carsyn H., Cohen, Emily, Carsyn J., Lilly-Ann and Charley.

He is also survived by his sisters: Barbara Klienguenther and Mary Jane Werkley . Sisters in law: Madeline Mullen (Mike) and Karen Pondo, numerous nieces and nephews and special cousins: Walt and Karen Koneski, Friends: CP, Sue and Donna. He will be missed by his dogs, Belle and Beau.

He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene Sr. and Mary J. (Zygmont), brother Kenneth Pondo and sister Karen Clarke.

Gene touched the hearts of many and will be missed dearly. He was known by some as “The Hillbilly from Philly”, but as a gentleman to all. His quick wit, unique musical interludes and smart rhymes will be remembered fondly. If you were to ever visit Gene, you’d either find him baking his favorite pound cake, at the barn with his “critters” or most likely reclining in his chair watching his favorite westerns shows. He’d offer you a Genny or a shot of brandy and enjoy your company. He was an accomplished Pinochle player and if you were up for a few hands that was an added bonus for him. He was an avid hunter, especially small game hunting- while only on foot.

He served in the U.S. Army- receiving commendations for his superior performance in individual weapons including small arms maintenance as an Armorer of Headquarters and Headquarters Company with 1st Medium Tank Battalion (Patton).

Gene retired from the Philadelphia School District as a Maintenance Foreman for more than 30 years. And that was Gene, a simple guy with a huge heart who knew what he wanted and did it. His family would like to extend thanks to all who provided assistance to Gene and Mary at any time that it was needed.

Family and Friends may call at St. Bibiana’s Catholic Church, Galeton PA on Tuesday June 6th from 10 am – 12pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 pm with Father Joseph Dougherty officiating. The family will have a private burial at a later date. A celebration of life will be in the church hall following mass.

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to: The American Legion or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital- PO Box 3704, Memphis, TN 38101-2132.  Arrangements are in care of Kenyon Funeral Home, Westfield.  www.kenyonfuneralhome.com.