Joseph Philip Ponish

December 15, 1936 - March 9, 2021

Kennewick, Washington - Joseph (Joe) P. Ponish, 84, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2021 at Hospice House in Kennewick, Washington. Born on December 15, 1936 in Clarence, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late John and Rose (Schall) Ponish. Joe was a 1954 graduate of Snow Shoe High School. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged after 2 years of service. Joe married Susan (Cullen) in 1975 and they enjoyed 46 wonderful years together. After working in a coal mine during summer vacation in high school, Joe worked in the mechanical engineering field for most of his adult life, earning multiple awards. Joe retired from Siemens Nuclear Fuels Corporation in 1995. Joe was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he spent countless hours in front of the Blessed Sacrament. He was also a dedicated volunteer at the annual church yard sale, working together with fellow parishioners in great love and fellowship. Joe enjoyed making and repairing rosary beads and chaplets, often giving them as special gifts to his loved ones. Joe enjoyed hunting, building and flying model helicopters, cross-country skiing, ice skating, gardening, camping, and playing his violin. He is survived by his wife Susan; daughter Rhonda (Donald) Evans and son Christopher Ponish, whom he shared with former spouse, Barbara Gassett. He is also survived by grandchildren, Christine (Brock) Weimer, Rheann Evans and Coral Lyn Ponish, along with two great-grandchildren, Parker and Lola Weimer. Joe is also survived by one brother, Philip (Debbie) Ponish, and three sisters, Josephine Latour, Rose (Dave) Hoover, and Stephanie Gunderson. Along with his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brother John (Sonny); and his twin brother Jacob and brothers, Michael and Peter, who all died in infancy. Inurnment will take place at Saint Michaels Catholic Cemetery in Clarence, PA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Chaplaincy Hospice or hospice of your choice.