Ponciano Ponce Obituary

April 10, 1933 - July 19, 2013
Ponciano Tabac Ponce "Poncie Ponce", at the age of 80, passed away peacefully at home in Los Angeles, California on July 19, 2013.
Ponciano was born in Maui, Hawaii and raised on the Big Island in Paauhau and Honokaa by his parents Maria and Alberto Hernandez with his 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Ponciano served as a corporal in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany during the Korean War. In 1958, he signed on with Warner Bros. to star as Kim the cab driver in "Hawaiian Eye", the first television show about Hawaii. It was then that Jack Warner renamed him "Poncie". The show led to numerous television appearances and movie parts, most notably "Speedway" with Elvis Presley. After "Hawaiian Eye's" 5 season run, Poncie traveled the world singing and performing in nightclubs from Australia to Canada to Argentina to Japan. In his retirement, he spent time with his family and friends and continued to delight with his energetic performances.
He is survived by his wife, Sherry Luke Ponce; his daughters Debra Doty (husband James), Paula Chaltas (husband George) and Margaret Zrehigian (husband Brian); his grandsons Dane, Devin, Jack and Charles; his sisters Feliza Jones and Juanita Balmores; and his brothers Alfred Hernandez (wife Iris), Joseph "Pepe" Hernandez and Delphine Hernandez (wife Brooke).
Poncie was a talented musician and funny guy with a great voice and a charming stage presence. Entertainment was his true passion and he was singing up to the last day of his life.
Services will be held at 2:00PM on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at St. Monica's Catholic Church in Santa Monica, California.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Jul. 26, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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I am right now watching Hawaiian Eye. We watch it 5 days a week every night on MeTV plus. This episode he got a counterfeit $20 bill. He was such a great singer. Great actor. To his family, you had to have a great husband and dad and grandfather.

JR

Other

September 29, 2022

I loved Poncie as Kim on Hawaiian Eye, one of my favorite TV shows, and in other shows and films. He was talented, funny, musical, and lovable. I'm glad he was able to share his talents with the world for many years. He'll be missed. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends who loved him dearly.

Alexa

August 29, 2013

To Sherry and family, My condolences and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. I will always remember Poncie singing with my mom whenever there was a special occasion. My thoughts and prayers to you all.
Cathy Oshima (daughter of the late Patricia and Lester Wong)

Cathy Oshima

August 7, 2013

My Mom thought everything was soo nicely done when he was sent off to the Angels!

Kevin Yamaguchi

August 2, 2013

So many years of enjoyment as a kid, my favorite on Hawaiian Eye. Condolences and Prayers to the family.

Nick

July 30, 2013

Sherry and family, Our sincere sympathy, thoughts and prayers.
Vicky and Frank Chee, 1135 Hoolai St., Honolulu HI 96814
(Daughter of the late Chew Leong Wong and late brother Lester Wong)

July 29, 2013

I was a very small child when Hawaiian Eye premiered. I don't remember much about the show but I do remember the character played by Mr. Ponce. It left a life long impression on me and over the years I have often talked about the character to friends and family. Even as recently as last week. His performance was a life long joy for me. I thank him and pass my condolences on to his family for the loss of this wonderful man. aloha

R Nada

July 28, 2013

Beautiful tribute... Sending love to you all

The Sacks Family

July 26, 2013

Sorry to hear he is gone. Thank You for your Family and Friends for giving my Mom some great times before and after my Father passed away. You will be missed and was a good guy! Thanks again for being a nice Friend,~ Kevin and Family

kevin Yamaguchi

July 26, 2013

Sherry and family
Our sincere sympathy and prayers, thoughts from Lester Wong's family Doreen and Joe Shimabuku
3167 Cazador St, LA 90065; cousins from Honolulu, HI Myrtle Kaya and sisters and families 780 Amana St, Hon, HI 96814 Fond Aloha

July 26, 2013

I watched Poncie Ponce perform at a luau fundraiser for Iolani High School along with Al Harrington...several years ago..he performance was amazing with all his energy and singing....he will be missed.

Ron

July 26, 2013

Remembering a father with a beautiful spirit whose smile always lit up any room he occupied.

Marcella Lee

July 26, 2013

Aloha to the Ponce family,
There will never be another entertainer like Poncie. May he rest in peace.
Ekahi nui aloha lava, Kauh

Kauhi Miner

July 26, 2013

I will miss you my friend!

Susie Hutto

July 26, 2013

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