Obituary of Stephen M. Pondi

Stephen M. Pondi Sr. Thompson Ridge, NY Stephen M. Pondi, a Retired Corrections Officer for Eastern Correctional Facility and longtime resident of the area passed away peacefully at Elant in Goshen on Tuesday June 30, 2015. He was 88. The son of the late Stephen S. Pondi and Rose Ondrovic Pondi, he was born on July 30, 1926 in Tompkins Cove, NY. A Veteran of World War II, Stephen served his country proudly in the United States Army. He was a member of the Church of the Infant Saviour, The VFW and the American Legion Post 1308 in Pine Bush. Survivors include his children; Bruce Pondi of Bloomingburg, Stephen M. Pondi Jr. of Pine Bush, Theresa Pondi of Middletown, Deborah Lucca of Montgomery, Alexis Engels of Pine Bush, Vanessa Shaffrey of Bloomingburg, Michele Pondi-Salik of Connecticut, and Dineen Fiscella of North Carolina. Sister; Dorothy Hyde of Pine Bush, 15 grandchildren, 10 great grand children, and many nieces and nephews. Stephen is predeceased by his wife Virginia H. Pondi, son, David Pondi, sister Rose Huntoon, daughter in law, Jayne M. Pondi. Stephen was one of the "Big Three" being drafted out of high school. He returned to graduate in 1947. Stephen was an outstanding athlete for Pine Bush being a high scorer in soccer , baseball, and basketball. It didn't end there. Stephen had a great passion for Bowling and golf. In 1944 he was invited to Ebbets Field to try out for the Brooklyn Dodgers, but Uncle Sam had other plans for him. He was a friend to all, a great and loving father and grandfather. He loved to travel and loved his boat. He enjoyed life and had a great run of it. Visitation will be held on Thursday July 2, 2015 from 6-9pm at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd Pine Bush. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered on Friday July 3, 2015 at 9:30am at the Church of the Infant Saviour. Burial will take place with Full Military Honors in New Prospect Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude's Children Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/ Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com