Anthony George Pongratz

Born in 1925 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Tony joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17. In spite of contracting malaria while in basic training and surviving an attack of appendicitis in England, Tony saw his first combat on the front lines in Normandy on June 9, 1943, where he drove the supply truck, which then became the ambulance on the way out. After surviving three wars, living in four countries and three continents, Tony retired from the Army after 26 years as a civil servant. He retired from Ft. Monroe in 1987.

Left to share the stories of Tony’s life include his wife, Kathleen; three sons, George (Susan), Tom (Donna), and John; and two daughters, Michele and Pat (George). In addition he has 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren to share his legacy of gardening, train collecting, photography, and travel.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, with a celebration of Tony’s life to begin at 2:00 pm.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the staff of Riverside Hospital and St. Francis Nursing Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.

.