Charles E. Pona JR, "Norton" , was born January 23rd 1958, and passed away peacefully on April 27th 2023, at Woonsocket Rehabilitation Center. He was a long time Resident of Providence Rhode Island. He worked with Horses for many years. He also loved his family, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was the grandson of the late lillian James and George James, the son of the late Charles E.Pona Sr. and Merlyn F (James) Pona, brother to the late Dawn, Carol and Darryl Pona. He is survived by his siblings Cheryl Mitchel, Victor Pona and his only living aunt Ruth Watts. Charles also leaves behind his companion Deborah Bruton.

Charles loved to sing and dance, Native Culture Research, Pow-wow, making sure his family was engaged in their history, it was very important to him. He loved the Indian Council and all his family and friends there. Charles was partially blind, with a loving heart and personality, just being "charley". He would tell you like it is, he never feared and he always told someone he loved them after every conversation and truly meant it. If he loves you, he loves you!! Everyone will miss that beautiful smile, walk, dance, comicalness and singing. Charles was a fighter; he fought all his life through battles and never gave up his whole life. He was brave, strong, loud, proud, and fearless. He had a beautiful soul inside & out if he loved you. Deb, Pompeii, Mona, Chester, Otis, Tarsha, Tiqua, Lita, Marilyn, William, Darrell, Joy, everyone at the Indian Council, he wants us to know that he loves you.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 12th, 2023 from 4pm-7pm in the Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson Ave. Lincoln. Burial private.