Kenneth W. Ponzo 1935-2025

Mr. Ponzo was born Sept. 19, 1935, in Washington, Pa., to the late Mary Irene Mills and Harley Calvin Ponzo. He worked for Standwade Metal Products as a welder “turning tanks” for 30 years, retiring in 1999.

He was baptized in Jesus’ name and received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost on Sunday, Oct. 9, 1977, at Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church in Youngstown. Kenneth was a prayer warrior who was faithful to the 6 a.m. prayer. He was on the usher board and in the choir, where he was famous for leading the song, “I Want to Rest.” This is where he met the love of his life, the former Dr. Sandra Tamara West, on June 12, 1982.

Mr. Ponzo loved reading his Bible and praying. He enjoyed cooking, especially putting raisins in his famous Thanksgiving dressing. He enjoyed watching Westerns, Jimmy Swaggart and basketball (especially LeBron James), and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. His favorite pastime was working Christian word search puzzles.

Kenneth is survived by his loving and devoted daughter, Keatenia E. “Kei-Kei” Hightower; his sisters, Pauline Marie Ponzo Williams and Gloria Ponzo; his best friend, Isaac Fleshman; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra, who passed away Oct. 22, 2003; and his siblings, Walter, John, Harley, Robert and Edith Ponzo, Irene Hamilton, Josephine Girten, Rosella Brown, Betty Grinage and Emma Morrell.

Visitation will be 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at Beulah Temple United Holy Church, 523 Griffith St., Youngstown, OH 44510. A celebration of life will follow at 10 a.m.

Ministry of love, comfort and dignity entrusted to L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.

(special notice)