George B. Ponzoni, a 57-year resident of Spring Valley N.Y., passed away peacefully on November 13th 2022, at Fox Trail Memory Care Living in Park Ridge N.J. at the age of 90. Just 10 days away from his 91st birthday, George will be greatly missed. Born November 23rd 1931, at home, in Jersey City N.J. to Veronica (Gilbert) Ponzoni and George A. Ponzoni. George graduated High School before attending the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, Jersey City Jr. College, Fairleigh Dickinson University where he achieved both a B.S. and M.A, followed by New York University, receiving his PhD. in 1967.
George served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Korea conflict where he flew the F-86 Sabre. He later continued his service in the Army Reserve for many years where he also flew helicopters before retiring as a Lt. Colonel. He served most of his reserve time at West Point, Stewart Air base in Newburgh, NY and Fort Totten in Brooklyn, NY. George also served as a New York State Guardsman during the 1970's. George was a licensed private pilot and aircraft owner throughout the 1960's and 1970's.
Dr. Ponzoni was a Research Scientist with Kraft / General Foods Corporation until his retirement in 1988 at which time he was research director of both Asia / Pacific and South America. Considered a "Coffee Pioneer", George had been instrumental in the development of freeze-dried instant coffee, and shares over a dozen patents in the food and beverage industry. Throughout his career with General Foods, George travelled the world, visiting almost all 50 states and many foreign countries on 5 continents.
After retirement, George continued his world travels with his wife and family, and was a "Snow Bird" for many years, wintering in Davenport Florida. Known for his enlightening sense of humor and wit, George would often brighten folks’ day with a funny phrase, joke, or light heartedness to ease the stress of the day.
George is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Phyllis L. (Valentino) Ponzoni, his eldest son George R. Ponzoni of Middletown NY, daughter Carol Ponzoni-Wakeman, her husband Scott, of Newtown CT, his youngest son Joseph Ponzoni, his wife Patricia, of Washingtonville NY. George is also survived by seven grandchildren (Lauren, George W., Alex, Miranda, Isabella, Clarissa and Joey), and one great-grandchild (Naomi).
George is further survived by his sister Diane (Ponzoni) Lavelle of Franklin, NJ, several cousins, brother and sister in-law, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
He is pre-deceased by brothers Gilbert Ponzoni (and sister in-law Shirley Inez) of Illinois, Ronald Ponzoni (and sister-in-law Janet) of New Jersey, brothers-in-law Michael Valentino (and sister-in-law Phil) and Joseph Lavelle, both of New Jersey, and daughter-in-law Jennifer (Classen) Ponzoni of New York.
The family would like to also thank the supportive staff at Fox Trail Memory Care Living for taking care of George during his recent waning years.
A visitation for George will be held Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Route 59, Suffern, New York 10901. A visitation will occur Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 177 Route 59, Suffern, New York 10901. A funeral mass will occur Friday, November 18, 2022 at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 129 Lafayette Ave, Suffern, NY. An interment to follow at will occur Friday, November 18, 2022 at Frederick Loescher Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 220 Brick Church Road, New Hempstead, New York 10977.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in George's honor can be made to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/) or Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wanamakercarlough.com for the Ponzoni family.
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