With profound sadness, the family of Dr. Vincent John Pongia, Jr. of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, announces his unexpected passing on November 1, 2025, at the age of 68. A devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and cherished friend, Vincent was deeply loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Dr. Pongia was the beloved husband of Judith A. Pongia. He was the loving father of five children: Isabella and Sophia Pongia (daughters with Judith), Elizabeth (Jen), Louis (Rachel), and Madeleine (Kara) (children with his former wife, Barbara A. Pongia). He was the proud grandfather of triplet granddaughters Vera, Ursula, Scarlett, as well as grandson Vincent, and a cherished uncle to several nieces, nephews, great niece and nephew, all who filled his heart with endless pride, joy, and laughter.
Born in Roxborough, Pennsylvania, on March 20, 1957, Dr. Pongia was the son of the late Vincent J. Pongia, Sr. and Kathryn Struse Pongia, and the beloved brother of Tolbert S. Pongia, Sr. (June Ann). He spent his formative years in West Chester, PA, where his intellect and curiosity began to shine at an early age. After graduating from Salesianum High School in 1976, Dr. Pongia went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales (now DeSales University), where he was the proud recipient of the Excellence in Research Award in 1980. He was then accepted at the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine (now Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine), earning his Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine in 1985.
Dr. Pongia was a pillar in the medical community and highly respected by his peers. A respected physician and compassionate caregiver, Dr. Pongia dedicated his life to helping others. In 1986, he founded Brandywine Family Foot Care at Brandywine Hospital and the following year, took over the Pottstown practice of his friend and mentor, Dr. Aaron Katz. Dr. Pongia then expanded into Limerick and formed Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates. Over the decades that followed, he became known not only for his surgical expertise and professionalism, but for his extraordinary kindness, patience, and empathy toward every patient he treated. As his professional career continued to flourish, it became one filled with exceptional achievements. He was a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons--a prestigious credential given to highly qualified podiatric surgeons, and Diplomate, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, certified in Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgery. In 2010, the first year that the Podiatry category was introduced, Dr. Pongia was honored as a Top Doctor by Main Line Today, becoming the first podiatrist to receive this distinct, special honor. Dr. Pongia subsequently was named Top Doctor by Main Line Today again in 2011, 2013, 2018, and 2019, reflecting the continued admiration he earned from peers and patients alike.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Pongia served as Chief of the Division of Podiatric Surgery at Brandywine Hospital beginning in 1996, and as a staff surgeon for the Center of Wound Healing at both Brandywine Hospital and Pottstown Memorial Medical Center. A gifted teacher and mentor, he guided medical residents through the Tower Health, Mercy Health, and VA residency program, sharing his wisdom, humility, and unwavering dedication to compassionate care.
Beyond medicine, Vincent lived life with joy, passion, and curiosity. He was an avid reader, a Harley-Davidson enthusiast, and a talented photographer who found beauty in the ordinary. He loved traveling, music, landscaping, and cherished weekends spent with his wife and daughters . Deeply proud of his Italian-American heritage, he loved hosting sacred family gatherings, cooking, laughing, and creating memories that filled his home with warmth.
Vincent will be remembered for his gentle heart, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to his family, patients, and community. He lived with integrity, generosity, and deep purpose, always giving more than he received. Though his passing leaves an unfillable void, those who love him take comfort in knowing he is now at peace, watching over his beloved family from heaven. His spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched through his healing hands, unconditional love, and the memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, Wednesday November 12, 2025 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 43 W. Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335, followed by his Memorial Service at 12:00 PM. Interment is private.
Donohue Funeral Home - Downingtown
Donohue Funeral Home - Downingtown
Visits: 1528
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors