Thomas L. Pontzer

1936 - 2021

Thomas L. Pontzer, age 85, of 528 Shaffer Ave., Ridgway, died Sunday morning August 8, 2021, at Penn Highlands Brookville. He was born May 14, 1936, in Ridgway, son of the late Theodore L. and Marie (Volk) Pontzer. He married Cecelia E. Mosebarger on September 3, 1960, she survives. He resided in Ridgway all of his life and was a member of St. Leo Catholic Church, the Ridgway Fire Dept.-Montmorenci, the Lions Club, the Elks, the Moose Club and a past President of the Ridgway Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed many years with his wife at their second home at Lake Chautauqua. Tom was very passionate about helping others. He was a graduate of Ridgway High School Class of 1954, Gannon University in 1958 with a Bachelors Degree in Business Management, and one year towards a Master's Degree at Penn State University. He served in the Army Reserves. Tom started his career in the furniture business at Bayer-Volk located in Ridgway. He later started Pontzer's Furniture with his wife and was in business for 25 years. He then owned and operated PEP Health Fitness until his retirement in 2019.

He is survived by his wife Cecelia E. Pontzer of Ridgway, 1 daughter Pamela A. Streich and fiancee Rick Dorbritz of Ridgway, 1 son Mark P. Pontzer of Ridgway, a daughter-in-law Kathryn Pontzer of Massillon, OH, 9 grandchildren: Eric (Daniella), Jennifer (Adam), Zachary, Lee (Mike), Samantha, Sydney (Levi), Luke Jr. (Elizabeth), Tobias (Kylee) and Seth; 9 great-grandchildren: Elena, Avery, Isla, Michael, Hudson, Luke III, Cambree, Maleah, and Tobias, Jr; a sister Mary Jo Carlisle of Arizona, and a niece Nikki. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 son Christopher T. Pontzer, 1 daughter Patricia Pontzer at birth, and a great-granddaughter Amelia Streich.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Thomas L. Pontzer will be celebrated at St. Leo Catholic Church on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Officiating will be Fr. Justin P. Pino, Pastor of St. Leo Catholic Church. Burial will be at St. Leo Cemetery. Friends will be received at the Thompson Funeral Home on Tuesday from 6-8 PM. A Wake Service will be held at the funeral home at 7:45 PM. Memorials, if desired, can be made to the donor's choice. Share your online condolences at thompsonfuneralhomepa.com