Francis Ward “Ponnie” Crowe

FRANCIS WARD “PONNIE” CROWE

HORNELL-Francis Ward “Ponnie” Crowe, 82, passed away Saturday morning (April 7, 2012) at his home at 39 William St.
Born in Hornell on March 3, 1930, he was a son of the late Francis J. and Julia Crosby Crowe. On Sept. 17, 1955 he was married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell to the former Josephine “Josie” Seaman, who survives.
A lifelong resident of Hornell, Ponnie was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1949 and proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1954.
He was employed with the former Erie and Erie-Lackawanna Railroads and retired from Conrail as a brakeman after 35 years of employment.
Ponnie was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell. He was an active member of the Hornell Council No. 243, Knights of Columbus where he served as Financial Secretary for 17 years and assisted with numerous events. Ponnie also enjoyed playing euchre at the K of C every afternoon with fellow members. In 2009 he was the recipient of an Award of Appreciation from the Knights of Columbus in recognition of his distinguished and unselfish service. He was also a life member of the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post No. 440, the Cpl. Larry Hatter AmVets Post No. 245 and also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Hornell.
An avid gardener and fisherman, Ponnie loved spending time at his cottage on Loon Lake with his family. He also enjoyed attending antique car shows and was a proud owner of a 1941 Packard for which he received numerous awards for throughout the years.
His family includes his wife of 57 years, Josie; his son, F. Timothy (Sharon) Crowe of New Hartford, N.Y.; his daughter, Lorraine (Thomas) Dwyer of Hornell; his three grandchildren, Timothy Crowe, Nadia Dwyer and Ashley Crowe; his one great-grandson, Anthony; his brother, William Crowe of Bath; his sister, Betty Ebert of Hornell; also several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides his parents he was also predeceased by his brother, Gerald Crowe and his sister, Jean Giglio.
To honor his wishes there will be no calling hours. Friends are invited to meet his family at St. Ann’s Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in his memory at 11 a.m. Saturday, followed by military honors. Interment will be at the Bath National Cemetery at the convenience of his family.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to either the Hornell YMCA Building Fund, 12 Center St., Hornell, N.Y. 14843 or to Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 East Corning Road, Corning, N.Y. 14830. Envelopes for memorial contribution will be available at the church.
Arrangements are with the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell.

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