Howard G. Pontius ’61

Known to us as “Tod,” his lifelong nickname, Tod died in Austin, Texas, Aug. 12, 2024,  from complications of diabetes.

Born in Schenectady, N.Y., he came to us from Nott Terrace High School, where he was a classmate of distant cousin Peter Pettibone. At Princeton, Tod was president of both Whig-Clio and the Princeton Senate and a member of the Debate Panel and the Westminster Foundation. He took his meals at Campus Club and attended the Woodrow Wilson School.

Then began a long career in computer systems management with IBM, Turnkey Systems, the Continuum Corp., Pontius Capital Corp., Northrop Grummann, and Computer Sciences Corp. He opened Continuum’s offices in Tokyo in 1989 before moving to Austin in 1993 for the remainder of his life.

In retirement Tod rediscovered his love of bridge and, playing with his partner, Kate Adams, achieved the rank of Silver Life Master. He had a private pilot license, which led to many memorable trips with his children.

Tod is survived by his life partner, Kate; seven children; 14 grandchildren; two sisters; and a brother.