John Robert Ponish Jr.

ZANESVILLE

John Robert Ponish Jr. 41 passed away at his home surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with ALS, on Wednesday, July 10, 2019. He was born on February 13, 1978 in Altoona, PA to John and Ruth Ponish. John was a veteran and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1997 to 2001. He joined the Licking County Sheriff’s Office in March 2004 and continued serving the community as a patrol sergeant, sniper for the SWAT team, member of the Honor Guard, self-defense instructor, sniper instructor and firearms instructor.  He was loved and respected by many and he loved his LEO family.

More importantly John was an amazing husband and father. He loved his family very much. John leaves behind his wife of 19 years Heather; their three children: Austen, Jorgianna and Brooklyn; his fur babies: Maggie, Vada, Max , Snuggles and special fur baby Taco Bella; his mother Ruth (Craig) Westover; father John (Barb) Ponish; sister Chrissy (Ray) Berger; father in law George (Joni) Spears; grandmother Sylvia Quirin; mother in law Ann Spears; sisters in law: Misty, Kelly and Stacy (Bryan); several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

John is preceded in death by his materal grandfather Charles Quirin; paternal grandparents John and Mable Ponist.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Central Ohio Hospice, 2269 Cherry Valley Road SE, Newark, OH 43055 or the ALS Association of Central and Southern Ohio, 1170 Old Henderson Road, Ste. 221, Columbus, OH 43220.

Calling hours will be 1 to 3 and 5 to 7PM Monday, July 15 at THE SNOUFFER FUNERAL HOME, 1150 W. MILITARY ROAD. Funeral service begins at 7PM in the Snouffer Chapel with Pastor Christopher Riggs officiating. Full military honors by the United States Marine Corps, American Legion Post #29, VFW Post #1058 and the Honor Guard provided by the Licking County Sheriff’s Office.

To send a note of condolence to the family, visit our website www.snoufferfuneralhome.com, like us on facebook or contact our locally owned caring staff at 740-450-8000.

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