Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1939
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
90 Simmonsville Road
Bluffton, South Carolina
Charles Pona Obituary
BLUFFTON, S.C. - Charles S. Pona, age 83, beloved husband of the late Karen Pona, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 20, 2023, in Bluffton, S.C.
Born and raised in Bayonne, N.J., he was the son of the late Salvatore and Vincenza Pona. Chuck was a long-time resident of Guilderland, N.Y., a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and an employee of Adirondack Trailways for over 50 years where he drove over three million miles accident-free. Chuck loved to make people smile, travel, cook, go crabbing, and most of all spend time with his family and friends. He was a devoted husband and father. To know Chuck was to love him. He possessed qualities that are so rare in this world such as humility, kindness, compassion, selflessness, and loyalty, he also had a wonderful sense of humor. Chuck will be very much missed by all of his family and friends.
Chuck was predeceased by his wife, Karen Pona who was the love of his life; his parents, Salvatore and Vicenza Pona; four brothers, Joseph Pona, James Pona, Michael Pona, and Salvatore Pona; two sisters, Rose Lapinsky, and Caroline Piazza. He is survived by his two sons, Nicklas Pona (Erica James), and Charles Pona; two grandsons, Brenden (Chloe) Mcauley, and Antonio Mcauley; and a host of nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Chuck at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on February 10, at 1 p.m. followed by a celebration of Chuck's life at The Italian American Community Center in Albany, N.Y., from 3 to 6 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Pona
Greg Magee
February 28, 2023
Chuck,
You were a great man to know throughout the years. I´m really sorry to hear of your passing. I´m sure you are happy to see your wife again and I know you really missed her. You got me really interested in the bus industry years ago and 12 years later, I´m still going accident free! Hopefully I can get to the 51 year mark like you did! You were also a great man and family man along with your lovely wife Karen. May you rest peacefully with your family and wife in Heaven. Hopefully Heaven has some 4104´s and 4106´s for you to cruise around on. Rest in peace Chuck.
Patricia Reveglia
February 14, 2023
I will miss you my Buddy. I will miss you my friend. I promise my love for you will never end. Rest in peace. Love Patty
Hal Frenzel
February 11, 2023
We're so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. Chuck was a one of a kind great guy. Full of life and zest. Chuck had an infectious sense of humor and was a great kidder. You never know where your wine glass would end up if you left the room for one minute. Chuck and Karen were the ideal couple. Together they were the perfect Yin and Yang. Karen's passing was a great tragedy for Chuck and for those who believe in the after life, than Chuck and my sister will be together again. We hope that all of Chuck's family and friends find the strength from Chuck's positive nature to help with your grieving.
Hal , Cheryl, Scott, and David Frenzel.
Louise
February 9, 2023
I worked at Trailways' and knew Chuck. He was always smiling and enjoyed coming into the office to chat. His safe driving record will stand for all time. It was an incredible accomplishment. Rest in Peace.
Linda J Mazza
February 8, 2023
We had the pleasure to spend time in Hilton Head.He was such a Beautiful Soul....So Sorry for Your Loss....Frank Linda Mea and Peyton
Helene Mayone-Reed
February 8, 2023
To Chuck's Family,
I am so sad to hear of his passing. He was such a great guy and our steady busdriver on our shopping trips to Pennsylvania over the years. Karen joined him on some of those trips. He is with Karen now. I'm sure she welcomed him with open arms. May he rest in peace and God Bless you all.
Christine Ismail
February 8, 2023
Chuckles´s I know your happy smiling down on us ! I miss our daily chats full of laughter !! Your forever in my heart!
I hope you your handing out nabiscos at mass ! Lol !! love your best buddy Christine
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Charles Pona's name
Memorial Events
for Charles Pona
Funeral services provided by:
Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton and Low Country Memorial Gardens90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC 29910
How to support Charles's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Charles Pona's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
