Obituary of Edward Paul Ponikvar

Smethport - Edward Paul Ponikvar, Sr., 82, of Smethport, died Monday (October 11, 2010) in the Sena Kean Manor, Smethport. He was born Dec 22, 1927 in Crosby, a son of Francis and Mary Mlakar Ponikvar. On March 24, 1951, in Smethport, PA, he married Eva Rounsville, who died October 6, 1993. Mr. Ponikvar attended Crosby and Colegrove Schools, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the 20th Infantry Regiment as a Technician 5th Grade. He had served overseas in the Occupation of Japan, and served 9 months in Korea, where he received the rank of Corporal as a Medical Aidman. He was also graded sharp shooter with the M1 Garand rifle. Mr. Ponikvar worked for Pittsburgh Corning of Port Allegany for 7 years, the Ford Motor Company in Buffalo, NY for 2 years, and ultimately worked as a mason with several masonry contractors over the years, along with being self employed in masonry work for 30 years before retirement. After retirement, he did volunteer transportation work for the Office of Human Services. He was a former member of the Northern Star Lodge #555 F&AM of Duke Center, and a member of the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union. He is survived by two daughters: Delilah (John) Vossler of Smethport, PA, Valerie (Joseph) Putnam of Bradford, PA two sons: Frank W. Ponikvar of Smethport, PA, Edward P. (Tina) Ponikvar, Jr. of Conroe, TX 6 Grandchildren and 1 Great Grandchild one sister: Caroline (William) Bush of New Oxford, PA, and many nieces and nephews In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Visitation will be held on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 10 to 11A.M., at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, where memorial services will be conducted at 11A.M., with the Rev. Vincent P. Cieslewicz, pastor of St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport, officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport. The family gratefully declines flowers and wishes memorials be made to The American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 800. Washington, DC 20004. Online condolences can be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.