Robert T. Pondish, the founder and CEO of Robert T. Pondish & Sons Inc., passed away Feb. 15, 2006, in Mt. Holly, NJ.

Born in Southern Pines, NC, he and his family moved north and ended up in Mt. Holly, NJ, where they decided to settle.

After serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII, he was honorably discharged and in 1946 purchased his first dump truck. From then on he slowly grew to be a prominent South Jersey excavating contractor until 1973 when he semi-retired to farm in Sudlersville on the eastern shore of Maryland, while his sons took over the business.

Until his passing, he was still involved, although in the background, giving his sons assistance and advice. He will always be remembered for his honesty, integrity and commitment.

An avid hunter, he was one of the founding members of Goose Pond Gun Club in Tabernacle. He also was a devoted family man and Christian. During his lifetime, he traveled to all 50 states, Canada, the British Isles and Europe, and during the war, Japan and other islands in the South Pacific.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Ruth (Beyer); four sons and one daughter, Robert Pondish Jr. and wife Carol of Westampton, NJ; James Pondish and wife Deborah (Pondish Construction Co. Inc.) of Lugoff, SC; Craig Pondish and wife Leslie of Eastampton, NJ; Scott Pondish and wife MaryAnn of Eastampton, NJ; and Dawn Pondish of Kauai, HI.

He also is survived by six grandchildren, Bradley, Todd, Susan, James Jr., Audra and Denise; five great-grandchildren, Briana, Will, Evelyn, Laurel and Meredyth; three sisters and one brother, Frances and Bud Morrissey of Oregon, Ruth Smith of Vincentown, NJ, Rita and Mel Menders of Hainesport, NJ, and Raymond and Martha Pondish of Conway, SC.

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