Phillip Daniel Pomonis

On July 3, 2018, Phillip D. Pomonis passed away peacefully at his home. Phil was born on March 13, 1925 in Crosby, Wyoming to Dan and Marie Pomonis. His family worked in the coal mines in Thermopolis, Wyoming. His father, Dan Pomonis, came from the island Zakynthos, Village of Tragaki, Greece. His mother died when he was a young child.
Phil attended grade school at Catron Elementary, junior high at Harvey and went to high school in Socorro and then graduated from Santa Fe High. After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy, served in World War II for three years and was stationed in the Philippines.
He eventually found his way back to Santa Fe, to work with his father who was part owner of the Plaza Café. Phil’s father, Dan Pomonis purchased the Plaza Café in 1949 and later Dan Razatos joined him as an equal partner. The Plaza Café played a most important part in Phil’s life. The success he had there followed him throughout his life.
Phil was lucky enough to meet Carolyn Cochran, and they were married on July 25, 1951. They had two children, their first child Denise in 1952, and Danny in 1956.
Phil sold his half of the Plaza Café to Dan Razatos in the late 60’s. After he sold the Plaza Café he decided to purchase the Pantry Restaurant, which he managed throughout the 1970’s. The restaurant business finally took its toll on him and real estate became his next adventure. Land Ho Real Estate was his next business. He developed Valle Vista Subdivision, Ridgeview Subdivision, and Alameda Ranchettes. These were just a few of the projects he was involved with.
Phil was very involved with the community. He was a member of the Elks Lodge for 65 years and served as the Exalted Ruler in 1956. He was instrumental in moving the Elks Lodge from downtown to Old Pecos Trail. He helped purchase the property they currently reside on. He was also a member of the Masons for over 50 years. He participated in the early years of the 4th of July, Pancake Breakfast on the Plaza.
Phil enjoyed camping and hunting. He loved to fish with his family in southern Colorado where he spent most of his summers with his wife Carolyn and friends. Phil lived a very healthy and vibrant life, except for his eyesight. He developed glaucoma at a young age and eventually lost his eyesight completely.
Phil is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Pomonis; father and mother, Dan and Marie Pomonis; and sister, Frida Pomonis. Survivors are Daniel Pomonis (Lisa Coriz), Denise (Robert) Wikoff ; Grandchildren, Sarah Eggert, Katie (Stephan) Crane, Robert (Ashley) Wikoff, Stephanie (Zach) Villegas, Marissa (Jeffrey) Saiz, and Michael (Ericka) Coriz; Great Grandchildren, Payton Eggert, Taylor Eggert, Georgie Crurell Krissell, Elliot Crane, Zayden Saiz, Zavery Saiz, and Nya Villegas.
We would like to take this time to thank all family and friends for the time and care they gave to Phil in his last years of life.
Phil was a good father with strong family ties. His wisdom will be deeply missed. We will always love you and keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
A funeral service will be held for Phil at Berardinelli Funeral Home (1399 Luisa St, Santa Fe 87505) on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 12:00pm followed by interment at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30pm. A reception will conclude the day at the Elks Lodge on Old Pecos Trail. The family would like friends and family to know that if guests cannot attend all events, please feel free to attend what you are able to in honor of Phil’s life.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Phillip Daniel Pomonis, please visit our floral store.