Harold John Pontiff

Harold (Harry) J Pontiff

Age 80 of Minneapolis, MN, passed away on May 12th, 2026.

Harry was born on June 27th 1945 in Morgan City, LA, to Harold Pontiff, Sr and Shirley (Pennison) Pontiff, later known as Shirley Olsen. He was the oldest of five children. He grew up in a military family which meant he moved frequently throughout his childhood, he spent his early years in Hawaii and Mexico City.

He started his collegiate years attending St Thomas Seminary in Hartford, CN and earned an AA Liberal Arts degree, he then received a BA Philosophy degree from St Bernard's Seminary in Rochester NY. He earned a MA in Sociology from the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY while teaching history, math and science to 6th and 7th graders. Pursuing his PhD in Sociology is what led him to the University of MN and set him on a career path in Information Technology services in higher education institutions. Over the course of his career he served the Continuing Education and Extension Program at the U of M, the State Higher Education Coordinating Board, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MCSCU), Hamline University and Macalester College.

Once settled in the twin cities he met his wife Connie Diercks, who he married in 1982 and they raised two children, Morgan Pontiff and Kira Pontiff. He had a lifelong passion for music and one of his greatest joys was playing music with and for others. He was an avid reader and constantly pursued many diverse subjects, always viewing through a lense of social justice. He was politically active throughout his life and cared deeply about equality and justice. His friends and family remember him as a kind, gentle friend whose smile warmed everyone he met. He was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Celebration of life will be at First Universalist Church on Saturday, June 27th at 2pm.