Silas Ponder

Norwich — On Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, Silas “Dan” Daniel Ponder passed away peacefully at home, in the company of his loving wife of 28 years, Susan (Snow) Ponder.

Dan was born in Phoenix, Ariz., on March 7, 1930, to DeVance Ponder and Rhoda Robson. He is a three-war veteran, with a long, proud history of service in the U.S. Navy, serving on four submarine patrols in the Pacific during World War II. He continued his service on submarines through the Korean and Vietnam wars before retiring in 1968 with the rank of ENC (ss) aboard the Theodore Roosevelt (SSBN 600). He had been a 63-year member of the Holland Club, a member of the Fleet Reserve and Submarine Veterans. After retiring from the Navy, Daniel took a job as a docking engineer at General Dynamics, Electric Boat, where he retired in 1988.

Dan was an avid Revolutionary War re-enactor since his first event (“the Battle of Groton Heights”) in 1972 with the 2nd Connecticut Regiment, to whom he contributed his talents in carpentry, blacksmithing, storytelling and tomahawk throwing. He was involved in various community reenactment/ historical groups such as Quocketaug Rangers, the Lebanon Militia and running Historic Norwichtown Days.

Dan was predeceased by brothers, Joseph and William Ponder.

Daniel is survived by his son, David Ponder; daughter, Rose Hedges (Craig Hedges); stepdaughters, Christina Bobinski and Kimberly Edwards; and four grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of his life from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. March 31, 2018, at the Preston VFW on Route 2 in Preston.

Donations may be made to the Sunny Fund, 82 Whipple Ave., Norwich, CT 06360.