John E. Ponkala's Obituary
John E. Ponkala, 62, of Union, CT passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025 at St. Francis Hospital. He was born in Hartford, CT, son of Kenneth and Delia (Bouley) Ponkala, Sr.
Johnny had unique ways of making everybody laugh and if you met him, you couldn’t help but to love him. His tastes changed over the years, beginning with a fascination for buttons and string while later evolving into a passion for collecting pennies. He enjoyed building interesting creations with his Legos while watching his favorite television show, The Price is Right. His laughs and reactions to such shows was priceless. There will never be another like him and he will be missed.
In addition to his parents, John is survived by his siblings, Kenneth H. Ponkala, Jr., Sonja Starkel and her partner Mark Fox, and Erick Ponkala and his wife Debra; and his nieces and nephews, Chelsea Colon and her husband Corey, Mason Starkel his fiancé Sophie, son MJ, and Dylan Ponkala. He was predeceased by his brother, Michael Ponkala; niece, Morgan Mische and daughter Alezne.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. at Union Center Cemetery, Cemetery Rd., Union, CT. Following the service, a gathering will be held at Four Seasons by the Lake, 51 Old Springfield Rd., Stafford Springs, CT. To leave a message of sympathy for his family, or for directions, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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