John Pontius

John Martin Pontius, Jr., 73, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, died peacefully at home in Oneonta, New York, on July 17, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Andrea Pontius; his four children: Ashley Aitken-Davies (George), Kathleen Stansberry, Sarah Pontius, and John Pontius (Angela); and his grandchildren: Charlotte, Georgina, and Teddy Aitken-Davies; Paul, Jonathan, and Andrew Stansberry; and Spencer and John “Jack” Pontius. He is also survived by his stepmother June Pontius, his brother Peter Pontius, and his sister Nancy Pontius. He was predeceased by his parents, John M. Pontius, Sr. and Elizabeth Y. Pontius.

John was born on May 25, 1952, in Waterloo, New York, and grew up in a family rooted in public service and civic responsibility. From an early age, he developed a strong appreciation for learning and a belief in education not just as a path to success, but as a lifelong pursuit of purpose, discipline, and public good—a value he lived by and passed down to his children and grandchildren.

He graduated from St. Lawrence University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, where he played football and baseball, and was a proud member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. It was also at St. Lawrence that John met his future wife, Andrea—beginning a 50 year partnership defined by love, humor, and unwavering support for each other and their family. In 1979, he earned his Master of Business Administration with distinction from Cornell University, deepening the foundation for a career devoted to education.

After beginning his career in public accounting at Coopers and Lybrand, John moved into higher education administration, where he would have a profound impact on local institutions. For more than 30 years, he served in senior roles at Hartwick College and later Excelsior College, most recently as Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer respectively. A gifted teacher and thoughtful administrator, John was known for making complicated systems clear, empowering those around him, and ensuring the institutions he served remained financially strong and mission-aligned.

Colleagues praised him as a steady, creative, and values-driven leader—someone who could “roll up his sleeves” when needed but always gave others space to lead. He brought a rare combination of technical skill, clarity of vision, and a sense of humor.

His dedication to education extended well beyond his professional life. He served on the board of the Oneonta City School District (including as president of the Oneonta school board), and held board leadership roles at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, the Catskill Symphony Orchestra, the Huntington Memorial Library, the Dewar Foundation, the Episcopal Diocese of Albany, the Oneonta Historical Society (President), and St. James Manor, among others. He was deeply engaged with the educational and cultural life of his community, always with the aim of making it stronger for the next generation.

In his later years, John took particular joy in being a grandfather. He was a fixture at school concerts, theater productions, sporting events, and graduations—just as he had been throughout his children’s lives. He never missed an opportunity to show up, whether it meant traveling across the state or simply being first to clap in the audience. He delighted in leading birthday bingo games, elaborate pirate treasure hunts, and campfire sing-a-longs.

When his own children were young he hosted neighborhood fishing derbies at Arnold Lake and even built his own carnival games to put on local fairs to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy—a reflection of his belief that community service should also include joy, children, and a little bit of spectacle.

A lifelong Episcopalian and a member of St. James Episcopal Church, he found meaning in faith expressed through service. His devotion to his family was unwavering—and they will carry forward his legacy of integrity, curiosity, and kindness with pride and love.

A Requiem Mass will be held Friday, July 25 at 12:00pm St James Episcopal Church, 305 Main St, Oneonta, NY 13820. Calling hours will take place on Thursday, July 24 from 3:00 - 7:00pm, also at St. James Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Helios Care, The Oneonta Historical Society, Huntington Memorial Library, or any organization that advances access to education, civic service, or the common good.

To send the family an online condolence please visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home.

Rooms have been reserved for guests at the following hotels:

Hampton Inn, 225 River St, Oneonta 607-433-9000

Courtyard Marriott, 116 Courtyard Dr, Oneonta 607-432-2200

Holiday Inn Express, 141 Courtyard Dr, Oneonta 607-684-2000

Please let the hotel know you are attending the Pontius service