Dawn Pongratz

Dawn Pongratz, 49, passed away at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital - Somerset, on Thursday, June 23, 2022, after a brief illness. Born in Edison, Dawn was the daughter of the late Jack and Halina (Buczek) Salkeld. A 1991 graduate of Bound Brook High School, she had been the Assistant Director of Childtime of Somerset for 23 years. Dawn's loving and nurturing heart made her a favorite with children and parents alike. In 2019, her love and commitment to her school family was honored when Childtime dedicated the Somerset location in her honor. Her love was unconditional, and her friendship lasted a lifetime. Dawn was an amazing mother to her two daughters and a fun and loving Aunt Dawn to many others. She was a proud army wife, who was strong and selfless for her family and country. Dawn loved the Jersey Shore and took any opportunity to visit, no matter the season.



Dawn is survived by her loving husband of 22 years, John; their daughters Danielle and Stacy; her brother Darren Salkeld and his wife Carrie Anne; her mother-in-law Jean R. Pongratz; her brother-in-law Michael Pongratz, and his wife Debra; her nieces Samantha and Megan; nephews Jacob, Jonathan, and Raymond; many aunts, uncles and cousins, and countless friends who she considered family.



Gathering with the family will be 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 PM, Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home, 225 Mountain Avenue, Bound Brook. Funeral services will begin 9:00 AM, Thursday at the funeral home followed by a 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Church, Bound Brook. Burial at Resurrection Cemetery in Piscataway will follow. Memorial donations in Dawn’s name may be made to Jack’s Kids, a charity close to her heart. Jack’s Kids, 375 Union Ave, Bridgewater Township, NJ 08807 or at www.jackskids.org