John Gagliardi
John “Ponce” Gagliardi, 78, of Monongahela, died Monday, April 8, 2013, in Center for Compassionate Care.
Born December 16, 1934, in Monongahela, he was a son of the late Antonio and Mary Surace Gagliardi.
Mr. Gagliardi had worked at the former Potter-McCune Co. in Monongahela until its closing in 1984. Following that, for many years he worked as the steward at Carroll Township American Legion Post 949. In 1992, he opened Ponce’s Place Bar and Restaurant in Monongahela, during which time he also took over ownership of Venanzi Beer Distributor until his retirement in 2006.
A 1952 graduate of Monongahela High School, he was a member of St. Damien of Molokai Parish, St. Anthony Church, in Monongahela and Carroll Township American Legion Post 949.
Mr. Gagliardi helped coach youth baseball. Anyone who knew him knew he was a generous man who always helped the community and anyone who was in need.
Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Judy Holzaphel Gagliardi, a son and daughter-in-law, John and Shannon Gagliardi, and two daughters, Barbara Gagliardi and Patty LaBrasca (Joseph Krempasky), all of Monongahela; three grandsons Pete LaBrasca, Chad Pierce and Robert Steele; two brothers, Albert Gagliardi and James and wife Mary Jane Gagliardi of Monongahela; a sister, Virginia and husband Louis Razzano of Grove City; two sisters-in-law, Thelma Bednar and Loma Young of Monongahela; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his sister and brother-in-law Teresa and Mike Dobas, and a sister-in-law, Lavina Gagliardi.
Friends will be received in Marshall Marra Funeral Home, 216 Chess Street, Monongahela, 724-258-6767, marshallmarrafuneralhome.com, from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Funeral prayers will begin in the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13, followed at 10 a.m. by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Damien of Molokai Parish, St. Anthony Church, with Father William Terza as celebrant. Interment will follow in Monongahela Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Center for Compassionate Care, 50 Moffett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15243.