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Ponciano Ponce Obituary
"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 four brothers and two 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 Thursday, August 1, 2013, 2:00 p.m., at St. Monica's Catholic Church in Santa Monica, California.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ponciano Ponce
JR
September 29, 2022
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.
Alexa
August 29, 2013
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.
Cathy Oshima
August 7, 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)
Kevin Yamaguchi
August 2, 2013
My Mom thought everything was soo nicely done when he was sent off to the Angels!
Nick
July 30, 2013
So many years of enjoyment as a kid, my favorite on Hawaiian Eye. Condolences and Prayers to the family.
July 29, 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)
R Nada
July 28, 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
The Sacks Family
July 26, 2013
Beautiful tribute... Sending love to you all
kevin Yamaguchi
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
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
Ron
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.
Marcella Lee
July 26, 2013
Remembering a father with a beautiful spirit whose smile always lit up any room he occupied.
Kauhi Miner
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
Susie Hutto
July 26, 2013
I will miss you my friend!
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