Wilbur Joseph Pontiff

Wilbur Joseph Pontiff passed away on January 30, 2018 at the age of 78. He was married to his devoted wife and best friend, Martha Hidalgo Pontiff, for 56 years. Together, they built a life filled with love, faith, and commitment. Wilbur was born and raised in the town of Franklin, Louisiana. The only time he left was when he served in the U.S Air Force, from 1956-1960. During his time in the service, Wilbur graduated first in his class at Intercept Radio School, eventually deciphering a secret code while it was being transmitted. He also received a Top Secret classification as well as numerous letters of commendation. He was a proud patriot, and instilled a love and respect for our country in his children and grandchildren. After his time in the service, Wilbur and Martha raised four children: Michael, Monica, Greg, and Dean. He worked hard at providing for his family, and was employed at Cabot for over 35 years. It wasn't enough, however, just to put food on the table. He supplied his family with the things money couldn't buy; making sure that his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew that he loved them. Wilbur is survived by his loving wife, Martha, children, Michael Pontiff and his wife Karen, Greg Pontiff and his wife Vanessa, Monica Brandenburger and her husband Bill, and Dean Pontiff and his wife Tina. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Krystan Judice and her husband Chris, Jessica Hebert and her husband Jason, Sid Bergeron and his wife Anna, Jeremy Adams and his wife Natalie, Jared Adams and his wife Jessica, Austin Eckert and his wife McKenzie, and Cameron, Cory, Lauren and Michael Pontiff Jr; great-grandchildren Andrew, Brandon and Abigail Judice, Layne, Tenley, and Remi Hebert, Brinley Eckert, Audrey Adams, and Liviya Bergeron. Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Joseph Pontiff and Amy Delcambre Pontiff; his in-laws Florida L. Hidalgo and Stuart H. Hidalgo, and his siblings, Audrey P. Picard and Aubrey and Edward Pontiff. There are no words that can express the loss that we feel. We will always remember his smile that lit up the room, his unconditional love, and his unwavering dedication to us. We will never pass an American flag without thinking of him, or forget the happiness that was evident when he was around his family. Though our hearts are broken now, we take comfort in the assurance that our beloved husband, father, and paw-paw is at peace with his Lord. His legacy will live on in the wonderful memories we have, and as his love for country and family is passed on through his children and grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 2, 2018, at the Church of the Assumption in Franklin during a 1:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial, with Father Lloyd Benoit as Celebrant. Following the Mass, he will be laid to rest with Military Honors in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Baldwin. Serving as pallbearers will be Austin Eckert, Sidney Bergeron Jr., Cameron Pontiff, Cory Pontiff, Jeremy Adams, and Jared Adams. Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Pontiff Jr., Jason Hebert, and Chris Judice. A gathering of family and friends will be held Friday at Ibert's Mortuary in Franklin beginning at 9:00 a.m., with the Holy Rosary being prayed at 11:00 a.m., and dismissal at 12:40 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, by phone at 877-832-6997, or online at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/. Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert's Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, LA 70538, (337) 828-5426.