Timothy Bongiovanni Obituary

HURLEY, Wis. - Timothy "Ponch" Bongiovanni, 65, of Hurley, passed away Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief battle with cancer.

Ponch was born on July 4, 1960, at Grand View Hospital, and was raised in Bessemer, Michigan. He attended A.D. Johnston High School and graduated in 1978.

Ponch was a trade welder, but spent most of his working years growing cranberries in Wisconsin, first in Manitowish Waters and later in Fifield, where he met numerous lifelong friends, and then Three Lakes, where he retired from Thunder Lake Marsh/James Lake Farms. He always loved the outdoors and said, "Find a job you love, and it never actually feels like work."

Ponch met his wife, Chastidy, in 2000, and they later married on Feb. 25, 2005. Her family became his family, and he loved being a part of this large family. Ponch could always be found playing basketball, throwing a ball or teaching a kid how to throw a frisbee. The kids flocked to him where he went, and he always had time to teach them something or tell them a story.

Ponch was an avid fisherman and could be found fishing all year long. His favorite spots were along the Black River, but his ultimate favorite was below the Rainbow Falls where he made many memories over the years. He enjoyed pool league and dart league, which he made many more lifelong friends. Ponch was a huge Michigan fan and loved watching football with his boys and his "crew." He also loved the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Lions. One of his greatest days was spent at the NFC championship game in California with his boys and best friend.

Ponch is survived by his wife of 21 years, Chastidy Bongiovanni; four boys, Jeramie (Anne) Richardson, Alex (Autumn) Mussatti, Kurt Mussatti and Adam Ashlin; a brother, Dan Paris; his mother-in-law, Lynn (Gary Pyke) Maki; two sisters-in-law, Erica Nelson and Anda (Jeff) Little; five nieces and nephews, Samantha (Justin Scala) Mortier, Linc (Emily Zilliox) Panich, Brenden Panich, Lexi (Max Brunner) Schultz and Trae Schultz; three great-nieces, Kadence, Briella and Olivia Scala, and four of his greatest loves, his grandchildren, Arya Richardson and Gracelynn, Bentley and Colin Mussatti.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 14, beginning at noon, at Uncle Sam's Place in Bessemer.

Michigan, Red Wings or Lions gear are the preferred attire.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, Michigan, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.