Obituaries

Richard Paul “Rich” Ponzurick, 68, of Maple Lake, WV passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at Ruby Memorial Hospital due to complications from cancer and a stroke. He was born and raised in the Catholic faith and served as a Eucharistic minister.

He was born in Mt. Pleasant, PA on July 10, 1951, a son of the late Richard Elmer Ponzurick and Wilma “Joan” Paul Ponzurick who survives in Mt. Pleasant, PA.

In addition to his mother, he is also survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Leuliette Ponzurick whom he married on April 8, 1978; two daughters, Alissa Marie Ponzurick of Bruceton Mills, WV and Lindsey Nicole Ponzurick of Morgantown, WV; one sister, Tammy Curry and her husband Warren of Mt. Pleasant, PA; one nephew, Matthew Curry and wife Janie; niece, Elaina Lynch and husband Jason, and three great nieces, Millie Curry and Savannah and Scarlett Lynch; his mother-in-law, Mildred “Peggy” Leuliette of Hepzibah; his sister-in-law, Susie Von Gustedt and her husband Andrew of West Palm Beach, FL; and his beloved dog, Ted E. “Behr”.

Mr. Ponzurick was a graduate of Salem College where he was a member of the ATO Fraternity. He was a member of the All Saints Catholic Church, a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus and was a volunteer swim coach at the YMCA where he served as a “Dad” to many swim kids famous for his back rubs, advice, and big bear hugs. He was an avid WVU fan and loved to fish and golf with his buddies, especially at Spruce Knob. Rich never met a stranger and had many requests for his homemade sangria.

Rich worked at the WV Division of Highways as a bridge inspector, shipping superintendent at AGC/Jerry Run Division, and most recently as a dispatcher at WS Thomas/Online Transport.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time as Rich chose to be cremated.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Rich’s memory to organizations such as the Harrison County YMCA P. O. Box 688, Clarksburg WV 26301; local swim clubs; Harrison County Humane Society, 2450 Saltwell Road, Shinnston WV 26431; All Saints Catholic Church, 317 E Main St, Bridgeport, WV 26330; or the Clarksburg Mission, 312 N 4th St, Clarksburg, WV 26301.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com. A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.