Sylvester "Skip" Pontaski

Mr. Sylvester J. “Skip” Pontaski, age 86, of Forest Avenue, Salamanca, New York died suddenly Sunday, June 7, 2009 at his home.

Born on December 29, 1922 in Salamanca, New York he was the son of the late John and Julia Wasielewski Poniatowski. He was married on August 2, 1944 to the former Marguerite “Marge” Morrison who survives.

Skip enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps serving in Idaho from 1938 to 1940. He then served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946.

He spent many years in the furniture business, most notably with Fancher Furniture and later with Bush Industries. He enjoyed woodworking and refinishing furniture,

Surviving besides his wife are: 3 daughters, Karlet (Joseph) Backhaus, Sardinia, New York, Tina (Thomas) Zerbian, Ellicottville, New York, Kelly (Scott) Livingstone, Warsaw, New York ; a son, Larry (Becky) Pontaski, Midland, Texas; 10 grandchildren, John Pontaski, Colorado, Amy Pontaski, Philadelphia, Pa., Jana Pontaski, Texas, Tara (Charles) Furman, Springville, New York, Beth (Mark) Pinto, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Aaron (Nichole) Backhaus, Geneva, New York, Alec Zerbian, Cameron Zerbian, both of Ellicottville, New York, Aurora Livingstone, Creed Livingstone, both of Warsaw, New York; 3 sisters, Mary Jane Remington, Salamanca, New York, Georgia Stoumbus, Hamburg, New York, Connie (Jerry) Grove, Hanover, Pa.; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a granddaughter Sara Pontaski.

Skip donated his remains to the University at Buffalo School of Medicine.

There will be no visitation or funeral ceremonies.

The family suggests memorials to Goodwill Industries of WNY, 1119 William Street, Buffalo, New York 14206 or the Salvation Army Headquarters, P.O. Box 148, Syracuse, New York 13206.

Local funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com.