Albert PONGRACZ

Albert Pongracz, age 99, of Troy, MO., went Home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at Jonesburg Nursing and Rehab in Jonesburg, MO. He was born January 31, 1916 in Philadelphia, PA.; the son of Geza and Julia Pongracz Nee: Gerush. Al served proudly in the United States Army from 1943-1946. He was a Staff Sergeant in WW2, serving with the 780th E.P.D. (Engineer Petroleum Distribution) Company in the China-Burma-India theater. He was one of the last surviving members of his Company and enjoyed many reunions with them after the war. Al married Lisa Mae Barnes on March 17, 1947. He worked as a foreman for a knitting mill for fifty years before retiring in 1981. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Lisa, his parents Geza and Julia; loving siblings, Julia Szabo Nee: Pongracz, Geza Pongracz and Louis Pongracz. Al is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Crouthamel Nee: Pongracz, Perkasie, PA; son, Douglas and his wife Mary, Ft. Myers, FL; his daughter Lynda Pongracz, Troy, MO and his son, Robert and wife Patrice, Topton, PA. He was a loving grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather. He is survived by six grandchildren: Donna Merrill, Norristown, PA; Sharon Principe, Exton, PA; Frances Patton, Chester Springs, PA; Melissa Marcantonio, Parkesburg, PA; Benjamin Pongracz, Paradise, PA and Samuel Pongracz, Huntingdon, PA. In addition, Al is survived by ten great grandchildren: Alexandria Patton, Amanda Principe, Matthew Patton, Justin Merrill, Nicole Merrill, Alexis Principe, Haleigh Gildersleeve, Ean Gildersleeve, Aden Pongracz and Marit Pongracz, and three great-great grandchildren: Brayden Hayes, Brycen Hayes and Colson Hayes. Al enjoyed the outdoors and spent many years farming and developing a family-owned orchard in PA with his brother. In Troy, MO, Al loved working in his flower garden and once received recognition for Garden-of-the-Month, along with a neighbor. He was also well-known by family and friends as an excellent cook and baker and he loved to host and care for people through his excellent meals. In lieu of flowers, family and friends wishing to honor Albert's memory may contribute to Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), PO Box 348, Warrenton, MO 63383. Please note “in memory of Albert Pongracz” on the memo line. A graveside service will be held in Florida at a later date. A memorial service will also be held at a later date in PA.

Albert PONGRACZ

January 31, 1916 - July 14, 2015