Philip Pondiscio passed away peacefully on June 29 after a battle with Parkinson’s and dementia.

Born February 18, 1943 in Montclair, he was the middle child of Ralph and Marie (Roselle) Pondiscio. He spent his early years with his brother Ralph and sister Patricia in Union, New Jersey. He was a graduate of Union High School, Rutgers University and Brown University.

He began his career at Lever Brothers as a chemist. He then advanced his education, becoming a quality assurance engineer at Becton Dickinson and Nexcore Technologies, retiring in 2013.

While working at Lever Brothers his coworker arranged a blind date and the rest was history. He married the love of his life, Dianne, and they enjoyed 51 years of marriage. They had two children, Darren and Jodi, who were the apples of his eye.

Phil was an avid woodworker, gardener and photographer. His ultimate enjoyment was skiing. He organized countless ski groups at his favorite mountain, Jay Peak in Vermont.

He always made sure the amenities were perfect, including wine and cheese parties and rides on a snowcat.

Phil was a member of the Old Guard, Senior Advisory Board and AARP Chapter 3663, holding a position on the board. He was a volunteer coach for his children’s baseball, softball and soccer teams. Phil also was awarded for his 30 years of service to Boy Scout Troop 12, helping many young men achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Phil had a strong faith and was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church. He served as Deacon, Council President andYouth Group Leader with his wife Dianne. They spent many hours of fellowship with the congregation.

Phil is survived by his wife, Dianne (Matheussen); son, Darren; daughter, Jodi; and adoring grandsons, Derek and Austin. He also leaves brother, Ralph (Betty); sister, Patricia; brother-in-law, John and his wife Janet; best buddy, Bob Kahn and his wife Barbara; and many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Donations can be made in Phil’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Littman Memory Center at the JCC West Orange, or Boy Scout Troop 12, 10 Stoney Hill Place, Livingston, New Jersey, or charity of your choice.

Visitation was held at Quinn Hopping Funeral Home, 145 E. Mt. Pleasant Ave., Livingston, New Jersey on Sunday, July 2. The funeral service was held at Grace Lutheran Church, 290 W. Hobart Gap Rd., Livingston, New Jersey on Monday, July 3. Cremation will be private.