At 3:15 AM Saturday, August 28, 2010, Thomas Ponton passed away at 88 years old. He was born February 6, 1922.
Ponton served Santa Monica as a career Fire Fighter – as Captain for 30 years – and prior to that in the he served in the United States Navy during WWII. His retirement years were spent caring for his wife, Florence, and helping friends, family, and the community when and wherever he was needed. Florence and Thomas have lived in Mar Vista for the last 60 years.
As a firefighter back in the good old days, breathing apparatuses were rarely used and when Thomas retired, he was diagnosed with emphysema, which he fought for the past 30 years. He was also a smoker in his younger years. The lung cancer that developed in the past year took his life.
The funeral service was held on Wednesday, September 1st, at 1 p.m. at the Gates, Kingsley, Gates Chapel, 1925 Arizona Ave, in Santa Monica. He was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1847 14th Street, Santa Monica at 2:30 p.m. Afterwards the family hosted refreshments at their home at 3661 Barry Ave, Mar Vista.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity or one of the families:
Santa Monica Firefighters Relief Fund
Skirball Hospice
Meals on Wheels
