John Ponessa, a New Windsor Resident, Dies at 83

John Ponessa, 83, of New Windsor, NY, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2017 at Westchester County Medical Center surrounded by his family.
John was born December 19, 1934 in Newburgh, NY to Joseph and Julia (DiDonato) Ponessa and graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in 1953.

John had a tireless work ethic beginning his career in 1957 with IBM while also working part time as a photographer. On April 23, 1960, he married the love of his life, Alberta Davis, and they went on to have 3 children, 4 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Retiring from IBM 35 years later, he spent his career in various management positions. John was an avid skier and boater and a member of the Newburgh Yacht Club since 1991. He and his wife, Alberta, were also active members of the New Windsor Senior Citizen Club. John was passionate about so many things, but none matched the passion he had for his family. Of the many things he did for them, over the years, he purchased vacation properties and insured that every child, grandchild, and great grandchild enjoyed Disney World, Disney Cruises and Caribbean vacations together.

Few people enjoy and embrace life like John. His humor, graciousness and kind spirit drew people to him like metal to a magnet. He touched so many lives, that although he may be gone, he will never be forgotten.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alberta; his daughter, Donna; son Steve and his wife Theresa; daughter Lynn and her husband Rich Spens; his grandchildren, John, Kimberly, Mike, and Olivia; and his great grandchild, Hunter.

Visitation will be on Sunday, December 31, 2017 from 2:00 - 6:00 PM at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 301 Ann St., Newburgh, with burial following in Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor.