Joseph Wills Ponton

Joseph Wills Ponton (1931–2025) passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, in Silver Spring, Maryland, surrounded by his family. Joseph was born and raised in Washington, DC with his eight brothers and one sister in a family that fostered his faith and love of life.

    He married his beloved wife, Mary Lou, in 1963, and together they raised three children, Karen (Gorman), Peter, and Erin (Fiero). His true joy in life was spending time with his family and friends.

    Joseph worked as a Branch Manager for the Social Security Administration’s Office of Hearings and Appeals until he retired at the age of 80. He attended the University of Maryland and received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Before that, he studied with the Salvatorians, Society of the Divine Savior. He served courageously in the Army in the Korean War, earning the Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze stars, along with a Good Conduct Medal.

    Joe was known for his generosity, his stories and singing, and above all his way with words. In his later years, he found a great deal of happiness in writing and sharing his original stories and poems. As a young man, he was a counselor, coach, and mentor to countless young persons. To this day those inspired by Joe’s guidance reach out and share the stories of his kindness and patience. At family gatherings, Joe was the life of the party, usually taking a seat at the piano to regale guests with a rendition of Fats Waller’s “Your Feet’s Too Big”.

    Joseph is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Lou; his children, Karen (David), Peter, and Erin (Alfonso); his grandchildren, Ashley, Patrick, Margaret, Owen, Alfonso, and Genevieve; and his great grandchildren, Dominic, Jamie, and Summer; his brothers Robert and Michael; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Royal Clyde and Florence Anita; and his siblings, William, Paul, Edward, Thomas, Patrick, Mary Ellen (Redfern), and the infant John Vincent.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association at heart.org.