Name: Visitation for Donald "Ponch" Waddington Sr.
Start: 2025-01-31T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-02-01T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, Sandusky Chapel

Donald "Ponch" A. Waddington Sr.

Oct 22, 1955 - Jan 22, 2025

Sandusky

Donald "Ponch" A. Waddington Sr., 69, of Sandusky, passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Fairview Hospital, Cleveland, after a sudden illness.

He was born October 22, 1955, in Sandusky to Donald O. Waddington and Mary (Garlock) Waddington Walker.

Ponch attended Sandusky Schools and graduated from Sandusky High School in 1975. He bled blue and white, and was lineman of the year - an honor his grandson also achieved in 2024. He was always a hard worker, getting a job at New Departure after High School (instead of accepting one of many football scholarships), retiring in 2006. He also worked at SOHIO/BP and in construction during high school. He ultimately owned and operated the Port Sandusky restaurant in recent years. He grew up in the church his grandfather founded, Faith (Memorial) Church, where he was also married. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and golfing with his brothers and cousin, Gary Thomas. He served as secretary for Mills Creek Golf League. He played softball for Burger King with the Porters, Greens, and Eversoles, made his rounds with his Eastside Cafe gang, Jeff, Dan, George, Jack, Ed, Mark, Tom, Dave, and more, continuing to meet at the Sail In after Eastside closed. He loved the Eastside Cafe family, Jim, Nancy, Eunie, Joe, and family. And he loved to listen to Phil Collins.

Ponch was all about family, and from the start he took care of others. He always put family first and, as members of his family declined in health at various times during his life, he treasured the time he spent taking care of them, even if just to give Tammy a break when Charlie was sick. As a father and grandfather, he always made sure his kids and grandson's Blue Streak teams were well-fed after each sporting event.

Ponch is survived by his wife, Sherrie (Dyer), whom he married April 8, 1979; son, Donny A. Waddington Jr.; daughter, Elizabeth Waddington; grandson, Donte Waddington Jones; brother, David (Ann) Waddington; and numerous nieces, nephews, other loving relatives; and countless friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Robert Walker; brothers, Charles and Michael Waddington; and sister, Laura Idrissi-Mojib.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2025, at Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the funeral home with the Rev. Harvey Studer officiating. Burial will follow at Sand Hill Cemetery. The family requests that you wear casual attire, as Ponch would have wanted.

Those wishing to contribute to Ponch's memory may do so to "The Family of Donald Waddington". The funds will be used to directly support his grandson, Donte's, education.

Condolences may be shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sandusky Register on Jan. 30, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Waddington

Sponsored by Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, Sandusky Chapel.

25 Entries

Sandy gorby

January 31, 2025

Sherry. I am so saddened for your loss. I remember him way back when we all did east side. Please give your condolences to your family from me

Neila Lippus

January 31, 2025

So sorry to hear the news. Condolences to you and your family. Lippus family...

Kathy Ordway

January 31, 2025

Sherri and family I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers

Sue Everett

January 29, 2025

Sherri and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Ponch´s passing. I have many fond memories from back in the day. We had some great times. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Terri

January 29, 2025

Sherrie & Family: So very sorry for yet another loss of friends just too young to go. May you find peace and comfort in the many friends and family you are blessed with. I am here for you should you need help in any way.
Terri Schweinfurth

Beno

January 28, 2025

Sherrie, my deepest sympathies. Just learned of Ponchos passing and I'm heart broken. The Waddington family has always held a special place in my heart.

Jeff Robison

January 28, 2025

"Sorry to hear of Ponch´s passing.Today (1/28/25) is when I heard. Out to breakfast with the guys this AM. So sorry for your loss. Thoughts @Prayers are with you! Jeff & Pam

Bruce Niehm

January 27, 2025

I went to school with Don and we played together on the Blue Streak football team. I would like to offer my condolences to Sherrie and her family. May you rest in peace Don. God bless.

Jim and Teresa Floro

January 27, 2025

So very sorry to hear of Ponch´s passing. Jim and I worked with him at NDH. Prayers of sympathy

Belinda Knoll

January 27, 2025

My sincerest condolences to Sherrie and the rest of the family. Poncho was a friend for many years.

Mel and Donna Hemmer

January 26, 2025

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Donald. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!

judy dickman

January 26, 2025

donald waddington and his family lived by me judy dickman and my family in grade school, nice guy, my condolenses to his family.

judy dickman

January 26, 2025

My name is judy dickman, lived by him and his family on car street in grade school, Poncho was 2 yrs. older than me, nice guy, think he later went on to become a weight lifter, my condolences to the family

Cheryl Dabney LeMarr

January 26, 2025

Sherrie and family......May God hold you in the palm of his hand.......My deepest condolences to you and your entire family.......

Victoria Garlock Stamp

January 25, 2025

Sherrie & family, I'm so sorry for your loss, I wish I could be there for you. God bless you with peace and sweet memories of Ponch.

William Faulkner

January 25, 2025

Sherrie so sorry to hear of Ponch's passing, may God grant you and your family comfort and peace. God bless you all

Sue & Jerry Hunt

January 25, 2025

So sorry to you all on your loss !! R.I.P

Julia Stout Zoellner

January 25, 2025

Peace to Sherrie and family. So sorry to hear about Poncho's passing.

Mindy Camp

January 24, 2025

Sherrie,
My condolences to you and your family for the loss of Ponch. May God have
mercy on your hearts at this time and in your days to come.

Ron Michel

January 24, 2025

Sherrie
Bert and I were sorry to hear of Ponch's passing
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers
God Bless

Mike Ehrhardt

January 24, 2025

Sherrie, I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Ponch. My condolences to your family.

Marty and Kim Reed

January 24, 2025

Sherrie and family,
Deeply sorry to hear of Ponch´s passing. Heartfelt thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May God comfort you all in the days ahead.

Joann Klein

January 24, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers . If I can help in any way please let me know.

Susanna Sharp-Schwacke

January 24, 2025

I cannot say how very sorry I am to learn of this. My deepest condolences to his family. If there's anything that I can do to be of help, please let me know.

Greg Held

January 24, 2025

So sorry to hear of Don's passing. Ponch and I worked together in the labor gang at NDH, he was a great co-worker, friend and will truly be missed. My condolences to you and your entire family.

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