Obituary of John Pongracz

John Pongracz died peacefully Friday morning surrounded by his family. He was 82 years old.

Born in Bakonyszentkiraly, Hungary, John immigrated to the United States in 1956 where he made a life he loved. A precision tool and die maker by trade, John worked at Interlox and Avdel for more than forty years. Among his proudest accomplishments was creating the prototype gyroscope bearing for the Apollo 11 spacecraft.

John was an avid hunter, fisherman, gardener, and traveler. He loved the outdoors, most especially sharing with his family the wonder of the birds, insects, deer and bears that visited him daily.

A devoted family man, John is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Pat, his daughter Tricia, son-in-law, Jeff Spicka, son Gregory, daughter-in-law, Maura and his two beloved grandsons, Gregory and Mark Spicka, as well as his nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in John's name to the Boonton Township Police Department.

Family and friends may visit on Sunday, May 13 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm at the Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, May 14 at 10:00 am at St. Catherine’s Sienna Church, 10 North Pocono Road, Mountain Lakes. Interment to follow at Rockaway Valley Cemetery, Valley Road, Boonton.  Visit www.normandean.com to leave a condolence for the family.