
Joseph L. Pomponi
March 6, 1934 -
June 6, 2020

US Veteran
Joseph L. Pomponi, age 86, of Northbrook, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2020 at his home with his family at his side and he was greeted in heaven by his daughter, Angelie and his son, Gile.
Born in Kenosha on March 6, 1934; he was the son of the late Frank and Ada (Polentini) Pomponi. He attended local schools and graduated from Mary D. Bradford in 1952. He furthered his education by studying at U.W.- Parkside for two years; then graduated from U.W.-Lacrosse with a bachelor’s degree in 1959 and a master’s degree in 1964. In 1968, Joe attended Harry Wenelstedts’ Umpire School in Daytona Beach, Florida.
He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army from 1955 until his honorable discharge in 1957.
In 1958 he married Gilah Harris. They lived and worked in La Crosse, Chippewa Falls and Kenosha before finally making their home in Northbrook, Illinois, where they raised their five children.
Joe was a Physical Education Instructor for the public schools in Winnetka, Illinois. He also served as basketball coach and director of sports for the Winnetka Park District. As a revered sports official, he had extensive experience working in baseball, basketball, and football for more than 30 years. During the Major League Umpire strike in 1979, Joe got "the call" and made his Major League Umpiring debut as the Chicago Cubs hosted the New York Mets. He was on call for the next decade and umpired a number of big-league games. In 1984, he umpired the National League Championship games between the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs played in Wrigley Field. In 1987, Joe was voted “The Umpire of the Year” by the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association.
Joe touched the hearts of many and made frequent trips to Kenosha to meet up with his family and friends.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Gilah (nee: Harris); his sons, Frank, Anthony,
(Jenny) and Jason (Debbie); his daughter-in-law, Eileen McKinney (Gile); his four grandchildren and his sisters, Luigina Wasilevich and Frances Kollman.
Service Info
A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Joseph’s life and interment in St. George Cemetery will be held privately with Joseph’s family. Memorial remembrances in honor of Joseph can be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Posted by:
Paul & Gerri MillerDear Gilah, We send you our condolences . We were so sad to hear of Joe’s death. We’ve known the two of you for so long and feel a closeness to you. You and your family are in our prayers . We love you, Gilah, as we do Joe - our dear friend who is in heaven. We know you feel God’s presence with you to help you at this very sad time. With our love, Paul and Gerri Miller
Posted by:
Prudence MoylanI am so sad to learn of Joe's death. I did not know Joe well but in my brief encounters he was smiling and joking and helping. Gilah I send condolences to you and your family. I hope the happy memories and funny stories you have and sometimes shared at Coffee and Theology conversations over the years are a comfort in your grief. You and your famlly are in my prayers as I celebrate Joe's life that is changed not ended. May you feel the support and good company of the Communion of Saints in these sad days. Prue
Posted by:
Samuel YusimI knew Joe mostly as a referee and as one of the senior guys as I entered the Winnetka Public schools. He was always smiling and friendly. My deepest condolences. -Sam
Posted by:
Sheryl Ferdman NussbaumI feel so fortunate to have worked with Joe for many years in the Winnetka Public Schools. My husband, Ethan, would also occasionally run into Joe on the basketball court while officiating basketball games. Joe was such a kind, warm, wonderful man that always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face!! My sincere condolences to his entire family on his passing. May memories of him be a blessing to all of you! Sincerely, Sheryl Ferdman Nussbaum
Posted by:
Jeff DuPreJoe and I go back a long time, when he umpired and I tried to play. In the 50 years I was lucky enough to know"Pompoes" I never met a better, honest, sincere, kinder person than Joe. Those of us who were lucky enough to know Joe are all better because of having known him. RIP my friend, Dups









