Francisco Ponce, Jr.

Francisco Ponce, Jr., 87 of Hammond, passed away peacefully on the early morning of Saturday, June 17, 2023 at his residence. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Martha (nee Peral); loving father of David Ponce, Francisco (Jill) Ponce, III and the late Gilbert Ponce; cherished grandfather of Hanna, Arianna and Alexander Ponce; dear brother-in-law of Judith Gonzalez and Teressa Velasquez; proud uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Mario Ponce and two sisters, Rebecca Ruiz and Graciella Cruz.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2023, 10:00am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting with the Rev. Mark R. Peres, C.PP.S. of St. Adalbert Church, Whiting, officiating; interment, Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Crown Point; visitation at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00pm. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Francisco Ponce was born on March 15, 1936 to Francisco, Sr. and Blasa Ponce. A lifelong resident of the Calumet Region, he was a graduate of Washington High School, Class of 1954 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University. He was US Army Veteran attaining the rank of corporal. He was very active in the American Legion and was the recipient of the State of Indiana Commander of the Year Award. A member of the American Legion, Allied Post 369 of St. John, Indiana, Past Commander of the Emilio A. De LaGarza Jr. Post 508, East Chicago and was a former member of Whiting Post 80. He was a retiree of the Inland Steel Company, East Chicago, was a member of St. Adalbert Church, Whiting and the former Whiting Moose Lodge 1189 . He enjoyed camping, bowling and was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan (favorite player, Andy Pafko). Devoted to his family, Francisco will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Please omit flowers. 

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