William Joseph Poggione

Dr. William Joseph Poggione, age 88, of Williamsburg, Virginia passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023. He is preceded in death by his wife, Joan Ireland Poggione in 2009; and son, William Marshall Poggione in 2006.

He received his Bachelor of Arts in Public Service Management from the University of Redlands (1975-1977), Masters of Public Administration from University of La Verne (1978-1980), and PhD in Public Administration from Pacific Western University (1984-1986). He trained at the FBI Academy-Class #132 in March 1983, and had numerous other trainings/certificates related to leadership, management, law enforcement, ballistics, crime analysis, and much more.

William worked for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a Captain for 31 years as well as a Chief Magistrate for the Supreme Court of Virginia for 15 years. He served in the Army Reserve and was Senior Military Analyst for United States Joint Forces Command. He was also an educator for various institutions including: University of La Verne, University of Redlands, Thomas Nelson Community College, Mount San Antonio College, Cal Poly Pomona, and Kensington University, Glendale.

He received many decorations including: Marquis Who’s Who, Gold Medal of Honor of Peter the Great-Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, Honorary Director of Transit Police-Government of Honduras, Order of the White Elephant-Kingdom of Thailand, Royal Pouch Medal-Kingdom of Thailand, Distinguished Service Award-U.S. Air Force, and Diploma of Honor-Pepperdine University.

William was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Inmate Welfare Commission, Al Maliahak Temple (Shriner), United States Army, American Society for Industrial Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy Association, Los Angeles World Affairs Council, People to People International, and Scottish Rite.

He loved learning and being educated; Civil War reenactments; anything about local and national history; collecting historical artifacts; buying and selling collectibles; dogs; eating good food; and being generous.

He is survived by his daughters, Pamela P. Gehrts, Lorraine J. Poggione (Todd Harris), and Mary Poggione; grandchildren: Amber Russell (41), Brian T. Gehrts (37), Connor J. VanKalmthout (30), Harrison W.L. VanKalmthout (25), Alexandra (Poggione/Broyles) Mayer (33), and Josh Williams (43); great-grandchildren: Ellie Jo VanKalmthout, Benjamin Ray VanKalmthout, Penelope Mayer, and Charolette Mayer; and devoted and loving caregivers: Shiela Parker, Phyllis Johnson, Vernell Settle, Keeysa Hill Jones, Brigitta Braxton, and Waynett McKen.

A service for William will be held Friday, October 27, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, Virginia 23188. Drinks and light food provided.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Caregivers In-Home Care, who for the last 7+ years have given our father the utmost care and compassion that anyone could wish for. In particular, our love and thanks go to Keesya Hill-Jones who moved mountains for him, Shiela Parker-who kept him fed, happy and loved, Phyllis Johnson-who brought brightness and joy into his life, and Brigitta Braxton who was the calm sunshine he needed; Sentara Hospice staff and in particular Hannah Kingsley R.N., Chaplain & Bereavement Coordinator Braunda L. Ridley, and Social Worker Jane Marie who helped us celebrate, sing, and pray for comfort and guidance; neighbors Marge and Don Stuppy and a heartfelt thanks to Marge for being his nurse advocate and medication wing-woman; Jeff Burmeister for always saying yes when we needed a little extra brawn at the house; Libbey and Alex Oliver who brightened up the house and neighborhood with their beautiful garden which gave us peace of mind with all the beauty, and Doris and Robert Cruz for their neighborly love; the Sentara Health providers who, over the years, have carefully and kindly provided excellent care and advice to our father; Zaremba Law Center and in particular Walt and Laurel Zaremba who were not only friends, but trusted professional resources, the LA County Sheriff’s Relief Association for their support and generous donation, Kyle Lancour of Fathom Realty who has gone the extra mile to assist us, and lastly to the Nelsen Funeral Home, Jen and Sydne, for assisting us with the many details in connection with our father’s passing.

In lieu of flowers, donations and support to your favorite animal advocate groups would be appreciated.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Poggione family.