Rudolph C. "Rudy" Pongratz

Rudolph C. "Rudy" Pongratz, age 92, of Dover, died Friday, July 11, 2014, in Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia.

Born October 30, 1921, at New Philadelphia, he was a son of the late William and Thereasa (Sporar) Pongratz. Rudy graduated from New Philadelphia High School, and went on to serve honorably with the United States Army during the Second World War. Rudy was with the 842nd Engineer Aviation Battalion involved in the building of roads and airfields. Following the war, he worked in construction as a bricklayer both in Ohio and Arizona. Rudy retired from the maintenance department of Edwin Shaw Hospital at Akron.

Rudy was proud of his independence, and, with the help of family members, including his niece, Nancy Smith, and some very special neighbors, resided in his home until just a few short weeks ago.

He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Rudy was preceded in death by his sisters, Genevieve "Pat" Hren, Angela Weaver and Anne and Mary Pongratz; and by his brothers, Frank, Tony, John, William and Edward Pongratz.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, July 13, at 1 p.m., in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover, with Pastor David Wing officiating. Burial of his cremated remains will be later in Dover Burial Park. Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Sunday, 12 1 p.m. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Rudy, please visit the Obituaries and Flowers link on the funeral home's website.

The family suggests that contributions in Rudy's memory be made to the charity of the donor's choice.