Joan Marie Poncato

We are sad to announce that Joan Marie McCormick Poncato passed away on September 9, 2023 in Las Vegas, at the age of 94. She passed away quickly and without pain, surrounded by loved ones.

Joan was born on July 30, 1929 in New York City to Mary Coffey and William McCormick. She grew up as a devout Catholic, attending Mount Saint Mary Academy and graduating from Good Counsel College. After college, she joined the U.S. Marines where she served as a 2nd lieutenant during the Korean war. During that time she was the Assistant Operations and Training Officer for the 2nd Marine Division, in charge of scheduling amphibious training.

She dedicated the rest of her career to teaching elementary school for over 35 years. 

Joan was a consistent, loving, and generous presence in her family's life. She had three daughters and five grandchildren. 

Even in her old age, she remained active in mind, body, and spirit. She enjoyed murder mysteries, daily crossword puzzles, swimming in her pool in the summertime, chatting and keeping up with friends and family, and, of course, cookies.

Joan is survived by her daughters Deborah Pendon and Dana Levinson, her grandchildren Chelsea Levinson, Joshua Levinson, Elizabeth Levinson, Schuyler Levinson, Danielle Richvalsky, sister-in-law Diane Wetzel, and nephews Stephen and Chris Wetzel. 

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Aldo Poncato, her daughter, Karen Richvalsky, and her brothers Billy Wetzel and George Wetzel.

Family and friends of Joan are invited to attend a viewing at Davis Memorial Park Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 27 at 9am, followed by a Funeral Service at St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Roman Catholic Church at 11am. Burial will be at Davis Memorial Park at 1pm.