Kenneth W. Ponzo

            Mr. Kenneth W. Ponzo, 90, of Youngstown, transitioned from this earthly labor to his heavenly home on Monday, December 1, 2025, with his daughter at his side.

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

           He was baptized in Jesus Name and receive the precious gift of the Holy Ghost on Sunday, October 9, 1977 at Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church in Youngstown.  Kenneth was a prayer warrior who was faithful to the 6:00 a.m. prayer.  He was on the usher board and in the choir where he was famous for leading the song titled “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, 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 October 22, 2003; his siblings,  Walter, John, Harley, Robert and Edith Ponzo. Irene Hamilton, Josephine Girten, Rosella Brown, Emma Morrell and Betty Grinage.

            Visitation will be Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the Beulah Temple United Holy Church, 523 Griffith Street, Youngstown, OH 44510.  A Celebration of Life will follow at 10:00 a.m.

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

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