Reyes Ramon Ponce

Reyes Ramon Ponce, 80, of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away on April 23, 2023 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Reyes was born on May 24, 1942 to Ramon and Molly Ponce in Riverside, California. Reyes graduated from Dan McCarthy High School (Ft. Pierce, FL) in 1959 and subsequently joined the United States Air Force. He went on to receive his BA in History from George Mason University in 1987. In 1963, Reyes met Cecelia Ann Hoover and they were married on February 12,1966 in Hughestown, PA. Reyes and Cecelia went on to have 3 children, Reyes Jr. (1966), Paul (1968), and Cecelia Elena (1974). Reyes served in the US Air Force from 1959-1963. He was involved in the analysis of airborne imagery during the Cuban Missile Crisis, as documented in the book Eyeball to Eyeball by Dino Brugioni. This led to his employment with the Central Intelligence Agency, after completing his military service. He was a member of the National Photographic Interpretation Center (NPIC) from 1963-1986, where he received the CIA Certificate of Merit, as well as several other awards. He later moved on to the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) as a Program Manager for nine years. From 1997-2000 he was an Inspector on the staff of the CIA Office of Inspector General (IG). Upon retiring from the CIA, he worked for BAE Systems as an engineer during the 9/11 terrorist attack. Reyes was involved in coaching, officiating, and administration in youth sports for many years, working with such groups as Lee District Basketball Association and Cardinal AAU Basketball. For 31 years he served as a high school football official with the Washington District Football Officials Association. He also officiated college football for the Eastern Association of Intercollegiate Football Officials and was selected for an officiating crew for the 1988 NCAA Playoffs. Reyes was also an avid runner, completing 5 marathons throughout his adult life with the Potomac Valley Track Club. Reyes was predeceased by his parents, Ramon and Molly. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Cecelia Ann Ponce; his children Reyes Jr., Paul, and Cecelia Elena; his half brother Andrew Scafidi of Corpus Christi, TX; and his grandchildren Luke and Sarah Ponce. Viewings will be held at Jefferson Funeral Chapel on May 3 at 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Funeral mass will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church on May 4 at 10:30 am.

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Reyes Ramon Ponce

May 24, 1942 - April 23, 2023