Lillian Pontikas

Lillian Pontikas, 94, of Kingston, NY, passed peacefully from this life at Taconic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Highland, NY on February 1, 2024. She had been a resident of Wiltwyck Gardens on Albany Ave in Kingston for over 20 years. Entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston, NY 12401, where family and friends may visit on Wednesday February 7, 2024, from 10am to 12pm. The memorial service will begin at 12pm with burial following at Montrepose Cemetery, Kingston.

Known by many as "Campy" for her grand personality and effusive energy, she spent much of her life using her uncanny and detailed memory of specific dates and figures to tell interesting and often hilarious stories, or even to remember co-workers' employment anniversary dates. Over many years she took seriously her role in keeping everyone entertained and informed. If a neighbor or political candidate knocked on her door, they most likely would end up at her kitchen table drinking coffee and swapping stories.

She was born in Newark, NJ on November 2, 1929, to Louis and "Jenny" Pontikas, Greek immigrants who worked hard to build a successful and loving family. Tragedy struck early when the beloved wife and mother died in 1931. The family moved in with Lillian's maternal grandparents; and eventually there followed a childhood filled with colorful characters in and around the Newark tenement her family occupied after her father remarried some years later. She often told stories of Mrs. Mankoff, a kindly upstairs neighbor, who gave Lillian some of the tender love she needed after her own mother's death. Lillian and Mrs. Mankoff remained friends for many decades.

A bright and witty student, she attended school at Robert Treat Elementary and Central High in Newark. She made friends from every strata easily, and participated in as many student clubs as her strict stepmother would allow. After high school she worked in the business office of a number of companies, always making herself valuable with a focus on detail and problem solving.

In 1961 she joined the US Women's Army Corp (WACS) and was selected as Recruit of the Year. She earned the rank of Specialist 4th Class and worked as a switchboard operator. She never got tired of telling stories of her ability to charm her military superiors, which allowed her to "get away with murder," she joked.

After leaving the Army she moved to Germany with her husband Gerry Lahotsky (d. 1981), a U.S. Army Sergeant, and became a popular friend with many of the locals. In 1966, her son Theodore (Terry) was born. Remaining in Kingston, NY after returning to the States for Terry's birth, she worked for many years at Kingston Hospital, and then for the City of Kingston, doing valuable work for the city's Tax Department. She liked to recall a party she threw for City Hall employees, which even the mayor and many of the top city officials attended. She retired in 1991, keeping in touch with her many friends. Lillian was very proud that she quit smoking cold turkey in July 18, 2013 after 65 years.

She is preceded in death by her immediate family, including her son Terry (d. 2001), father Louis Pontikas (1988), mother Evdokia Demelis (1931), stepmother Theoklia (1990), sisters Tessie Grimbilas, Stella Geanuleas, and brother Teddy Pontikas, as well as nieces Christine Grimbilas Pylarinos, Evelyn Pontikas Pelaia, and nephew Lou Pontikas. She is survived by her beloved grandson Nicholas Lahotsky, and nephews George (Diane) and Lee (Deborah) Geanuleas, nieces Susan (Lenny) Pontikas Burgess, and Mary (Bob) Pontikas Petrasik, and thirteen children in the next two generations.

Lillian (Campy) will always be remembered as a touchstone for family and friends, someone who stayed steady and true while so much changed around her. Her warmth and humor will be missed by all who were lucky enough to sit at her kitchen table.