John W. Ponton Jr.

John W. (Jack) Ponton (93) of Ocean City, New Jersey, Jupiter, Florida, and Delaware County, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at his home in Ocean City on Saturday, March 16, surrounded by family. He was born to John William Ponton, Sr. and Alma Rode Ponton on November 27, 1930, in Swedesboro, New Jersey.

Early in life, Jack demonstrated scholastic, social, athletic, and entrepreneurial skills. There are many stories of Jack becoming an entrepreneur as early as age seven. President of the Woodbury High School class of 1948, he excelled at basketball and was on the track and football teams.

Jack graduated from the University of Delaware with a business degree in 1952 and remained an avid fan of the Fightin’ Blue Hens. He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and participated in ROTC. After graduating he became a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, stationed at Sandy Hook, New Jersey, and El Paso, Texas.

From the army he took a position with Watkins Trucks, Inc. where he eventually became President of Watkins Leasing. He retired in 2000 from Watkins Leasing after 46 years.

He met the love of his life, Joan Garson, in Ocean City, New Jersey. They were married 56 years and had two daughters and three grandchildren. Jack and Joan resided in Media, Pennsylvania, and summered in Ocean City, New Jersey where he was affectionately known as "the mayor of the South End". They later enjoyed winters in Juno Beach, Florida, near the ocean and close friends. Jack was a loving family man and devoted friend. As a result of his outgoing and fun-loving nature, no one was ever a stranger to Jack.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Joan (nee Garson); his daughter, Victoria Bracey; and his granddaughter, Alyssa Virginia Sack. He is survived by his daughter, Virginia (Ginger) and her husband, Frank Sack; grandchildren Derrek (Megan) and Ethan Sack; great granddaughter, Abigail Virginia Sack; sisters Charlotte Frey and Patricia Zimmermann (Robert); as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and friends.

His family will host a Celebration of Life this summer, his favorite time of year, in Ocean City, New Jersey.

Please send any contributions in Jack's name to Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 13301 Ellison Wilson Road, Juno Beach, Florida 33408.