Obituary of Joseph Leroy DePonceau

Joseph DePonceau, beloved retired Rochester City School District teacher, avid clock and pocket watch collector, and Irondequoit Garden Club Member, father of four girls, passed away on June 27, 2024, at the age of 80. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, knowledge, and creativity that touched the lives of many. Born on December 19, 1943, in Dubois, PA, Joe was the son of Luther Kester and Theresa Lajune DePonziano.  

Both of his biological parents were victims of separate drunk driving accidents by the time he was nine years old. Joe was adopted by his aunt and uncle James and Florence DePonceau, of Chautauqua, NY.

Joe grew up to be an Eagle Scout and learned the value of working hard and spending wisely. He internalized a passion for craftsmanship from his adoptive father. James V. DePonceau interned at Wendell August Forge and learned the art of repousse’. Repousse’ is a metalworking technique in which malleable metal is ornamented by hammering from the reverse side. James DePonceau established DePonceau Aluminum Craft and Joe carried the family business forward. This skill became a lifelong passion and a cherished pastime that he joyfully shared at The Clothesline Festival, Letchworth Craft Fair, and other regional craft shows and gift shops. His pieces were proudly stamped deponceau 100% handmade in the USA and sold all over the world.

His neighbors will tell you that Joe's commitment to helping those in need is part of his legacy, too. He was known for his generosity, his mentorship, and his willingness to lend a hand or loan his tools.  He saw fit to mow neighbors’ lawns, snowblower their driveways, and cut their fallen trees into firewood. Former students remember him fondly for his quick wit, tough expectations, and approachable style. Later in life, Joe developed a deep love for horology, amassing an impressive collection of antique clocks and pocket watches from around the world. His self-taught ability to fix clock mechanics appreciated by fellow enthusiasts. Just before he died, Joe donated two rare heirloom clocks to the Hoffman Clock Museum in Newark, NY. 

A man of many talents and interests, Joe found joy in the simple pleasures fishing, gardening, RVing, Carvel Ice Cream cakes and homemade chocolate shakes.  He will be missed by his four daughters, Theresa Rene DePonceau, Tonya DePonceau Wilson, Joette DePonceau Vahey, and Jennifer Lynn Blanchard and his 6 grandchildren.  Joe is survived by his older brother, James DePonceau.

A celebration of Joseph's life will be held on August 10, 2024, at 1:30 PM at St. Nicholas Society, where friends and family will gather to honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors, inc. Western NY Chapter 13 in Joe's name, continuing his enthusiasm for the craftsmanship of clock making.  His legacy will live on through the memories he created and the lives he touched. May he rest in eternal peace