George "Biff" Pond

George C. "Biff" Pond, 75, of Harwinton, passed away May 21 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.  He was the husband of 21 years of Holly Mensel Pond. Son of the late George K Pond and Anne (Reznick) Pond Buckley,  he attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from Torrington High Class of 1964,  where he played football,  basketball, and baseball.  He attended St. Benedict's College in Atchison Kansas on a full baseball scholarship,  graduating in 1968.  He was drafted and served in the US Army during Vietnam in 1969 for fourteen months as a Sergeant,  and was awarded the Bronze Star.  He worked as a Physical Education teacher and coach at Wamogo High and Kolburne School in Massachusetts. In 1982 he coached Wamogo girls basketball to a Berkshire League Title.  He was head coach of the P-38's baseball team for over 25 years,  leading them to many titles,  and very proudly the 1975 State Legion Championship.
Biff was a wise, insightful coach with a unique way of calmly yet firmly communicating with students and players,  creating mutual respect and friendships,  a quality that will be missed by all.  Biff is a member of Torrington High Athletic Hall of Fame,  and the prestigious Connecticut American Legion Hall of Fame.  He was a volunteer for many years at Litchfield Hills Road Race and in many of the races. Biff went annually to most Yale football games,  where his uncle, "Ducky" Pond coached winning teams and two Heisman Trophy winners.
He is survived by his wife,  he leaves many aunts and cousins from both the Pond and Reznick families.  He also leaves many friends, especially Mark "Ziff" Reichenberg and Williiam Neller,  and the P-38 baseball family,  and was predeceased by his brother Christopher in Oct 2021 and step father Dr. John Buckley.
Friends may call Friday June 3 from 5-7 PM at Phalen Funeral Home.  Graveside Services will be held Saturday June 4, 10:30 AM at Hillside Cemetery in Torrington.
Memorial Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to American Legion Baseball of Torrington c/o RJ Poniatoski 50 Persechino Dr Torrington CT 06790 or Torrington Veteran Service Office 140 Main St Torrington CT 06790.  www.phalenfuneral.com

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