John James Ponikvar Jr.
John James “Little Johnny” Ponikvar Jr., 71, of Cecil Township, passed away unexpectedly Monday, November 7, 2022, in his home.
He was born March 7, 1951, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late John James Ponikvar Sr. and Ann Keiffer Ponikvar.
John was raised in Pittsburgh, but spent many happy hours with family in Thomas, West Virginia, near Black Water Falls.
He was a graduate of Carrick High School, class of 1969, and attended the University of Pittsburgh.
He was a Roman Catholic and was a member of St Oscar Romero Parish St. Patrick Church in Canonsburg, where he has lived since 1994.
John’s working life had been spent with automobiles, first detailing cars at the former Massey Buick in Dormont and over the past 40 years at Sun Chevrolet, in Peters Township, where he had been a service writer. He raced stockcars for championships in his pink, number 16 car at the Pennsylvania Motor Speedway, Learnerville and Challenger Speedways. A dedicated fan of Dale Earnhardt he loved anything to do with NASCAR, including any collectible available and having seats on the rail at the Indianapolis 500. He never missed a race. John was very proud of his show cars, a 1979 Firebird and his pristine 1991 Chevy Silverado.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his devoted daughters, Jennifer Terwilliger (Ryan Ludwin) of Houston and JoAnna Terwilliger (David Tyson) of West View; his cherished grandchildren, Aiden Walsh and his beloved granddaughter, Isabella “Bella” Walsh both of Houston; his wife, Annie Shaver Ponikvar of Proctor, West Virginia; his three sisters, Christine A. (Tommy G) Goughler of Robinson Township, Margaret M. (Jeffrey) Morgan of McDonald, Ohio and Catherine D. (Dane) Kincaid of Bon Aire; his godson, Eric Kincaid; his significant other, Abbey; and many nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, is his beloved son, John James “Jay” Ponikvar, who passed away August 25, 1989.
Friends and family are welcome from 2 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 9, 2022, in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Joseph P. Salandra owner / supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where departing prayers will be recited at 9:35 a.m. Thursday, November 10, 2022. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick Church St. Oscar Romero Parish, 317 West Pike Street, Canonsburg. Interment will follow in Jefferson Memorial Park.
To view or extend condolences please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.