Richard C. Sam Pontius, 79, of State Road, New Castle, passed away the morning of April 13, 2017 at his home. Born November 10, 1937 in New Castle, he was the son of John Pontius and Ruth Gormley Pontius Gaiser, and step-son of Rev. Harold Gaiser. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Grace Passeretti Pontius, whom he married January 18, 1958. After his high school graduation, Sam served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1955-1959. He was employed as a machinist and foreman with Lockley Machine for 13 years and then in the same capacity with Tanner Plating for 31 years until his retirement in 2002. An active member of Eastbrook United Methodist Church, he served as past president of the board, was a Sunday school teacher for over 40 years and participated in several mission trips including Honduras and Mississippi. Sam was a member of the Laurel Football Association and the Laurel chain gang, attending games for 30 years. Among some of his interests, Sam enjoyed being a beekeeper, gardener, and an outdoorsman. In addition to his wife Grace, he is survived by three sons, Mark R. Pontius, John P. (Renee) Pontius, and Daniel H. (Jackie) Pontius all of New Castle; two brothers, Robert Bob Pontius of New Castle, and Kenneth Gaiser of Jamestown, NY; one sister, Janet Henderson of Jamestown, NY; 6 grandchildren, Tyler, Sam, Amber, Jenna, Diana and Danielle; and one great-granddaughter, Ellie. He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father, and one brother, William Pontius. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 23, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Eastbrook United Methodist Church, 2412 Eastbrook Road, New Castle, PA 16015. A Memorial Service will take place immediately following visitation at 3:00 p.m. at the church, with the Rev. Loren McQueen officiating. Burial will be in Briar Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions are made to the Parkinson Foundation, 575 Lincoln Avenue, Bellevue, PA 15202 or to Eastbrook United Methodist Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., where online condolences may be offered at www.cunninghamfh.com.