I am sorry and saddened to report the sudden passing of former Allentown Train Meet Associates (ATMA) Director and my brother-in-law, Dan Ponzol this past Tuesday evening, March 2, 2021. ATMA is the sponsoring organization behind the Allentown First Frost and Spring Thaw train meets at the Allentown Fairgrounds. Although Dan was not a member of this Forum, his unnamed influence helped many people learn about and to love model trains. When the shows first started, Danny was in charge of the operating displays and the test track. Later, when the change was made to have outside clubs come in and display, he was responsible for finding the different clubs and scheduling them into the venue. He continued to arrange staffing of the test track even after the association changed hands. As President of the Lehigh Valley Hirailers Club, I want to acknowledge him for arranging to have us display our layout at the Spring Thaw Meets for many years. We truly enjoyed the experience and were happy to help many people understand and enjoy model trains.
Dan was very knowledgeable about Lionel trains and was the author of LIONEL A Century of Timeless Toy Trains. The book can still be found in train shops and at meets. However, his greatest love of trains was reserved for A.C. Gilbert’s American Flyer S gauge. In that area, he was a true encyclopedia. He was constantly teaching me things about Flyer, even as late as last month.
He was also owner and operator of the Allentown Toy Train Service train store until he was forced to close it due to declining health. Danny, you were a great inspiration and will be truly missed by all who knew you.
Christopher Finch
