Donald Wayne Ponyicky

Donald Wayne "Butch" Ponyicky, 83, born August 26, 1941 passed away peacefully March 27, 2025 surrounded by his children, wife, and loved ones. Butch leaves behind his loving wife Claudia, his devoted children Nicole & John (Natalie), his cherished grandchildren Keegan, Jayden & Logan, step daughter Kelly Godfrey (Dave), sister Irene "Pinky" Warafka, nieces, nephews and many friends. Butch is preceded in death by his parents, John & Irene and brothers, John & Eugene.
Butch lived a very full & beautiful life. He loved to be the center of attention with all eyes on him. He did whatever he needed to do to get attention whether it be acting like a complete fool for a laugh or telling inappropriate jokes (loudly), he knew how to draw attention.
As a child he played both the violin and accordion and sang inappropriate songs in Hungarian to entertain family and his parent's friends. Butch found a love for horses early on that led him into riding bulls and broncos in the rodeo. He had a pet monkey named Harry that drove his mother crazy and he wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Butch's charismatic personality made him a natural salesmen in both the insurance world where he earned many accolades and in the car business where he was one of the best. His love of being around people (and an occasional cocktail) made his roles of bartender and later on, bar owner, a party every night for him. He was a social man with a full calendar. Butch enjoyed his yearly fishing trips to Canada with his family and friends where so many of his stories originated. Butch could tell a story like no other. He captivated you with his theatrics, his infectious smile and laughter as he built the story up.
Butch was lucky later in life to find love one last time with Claudia. He and Claudia enjoyed a quieter life where he got as good as he gave. They loved each other.
Butch valued family and always wanted them around. Countless backyard parties including pig roasts, clam bakes, weekend pool parties and spontaneous get togethers filled his heart with joy. He was most happy when the people around him were laughing and having a good time.
In Butch's life one thing remained constant, his hair. Every morning he would stand in the mirror and make sure every piece of hair was in the right place. What a great head of hair that was.
Butch was a fighter. Countless stories of he and his closest friends getting into fights in bars & on the streets. Butch fought to the end in every fight, including his last.
When Butch loved you, he loved you and you knew it. Being loved by Butch meant he would do anything to fight for you and protect you.
Butch's greatest accomplishment were his children. He was a proud and devoted father. He so very much enjoyed when his children and grandchildren were near. Butch was so proud of his children, he loved them very much and they love him even more.
Butch was one of a kind and as he would say, "Your Goddamn Right".
Dad, you are loved by so many & will deeply be missed.
FRIENDS MAY CALL AT THE BERRY-McGREEVEY FUNERAL HOME, 26691 DETROIT RD., WESTLAKE, OH 44145 FROM 3-7 P.M. WITH A FUNERAL SERVICE FOLLOWING AT 7:00 P.M. TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025 www.BerryMcGreevey.com
Berry-McGreevey Funeral Home and Cremation Service
26691 Detroit Road, Westlake, OH 44145
440-617-1911