Sonie Mathew, son of Mathai and Sara (Ammini) Mathew, was born on December 15, 1977 in Kerala, India. Throughout his childhood and adolescence, Sonie formed strong bonds with school and church friends, and family. He was the first family child to all of Mathai Uncle's and Ammini Aunty's nieces and nephews who immigrated to the U.S. in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Once the nieces and nephews got married and had their own families, Sonie became an uncle to all of their kids.
Sonie was the uncle who always felt like an older cousin/older brother. He invented special nicknames for his nieces and nephews, some including family names, comic abbreviations, and others based on Kerala food. In return, they nicknamed him "Ponie," which eventually transformed into "Pones." From young ages, whenever the nieces and nephews would visit Appacha and Ammachi's house, they would rush to the basement, designated as Sonie's room, wake him up against his wishes, and eagerly try to discover what new comics or games Sonie would have. His TV show and comic book collections were the envy of all, but he never shied away from letting all the grubby little kid hands look through his items, borrow movies, and enjoy his collection, even if they took years to return them. Stan Lee, the father of Marvel Comics, truly owes Sonie a large commission for the sheer number of lifelong Marvel fanatics he's helped to create - "Excelsior!"
In 2002, Sonie earned his bachelor's degree in Theatre and Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Frostburg State University. Over the years, Sonie taught at numerous schools and programs where he had a positive impact on hundreds of students of all ages, abilities, and talents. He started his teaching career as Teacher and Program Head for Aspergers at Montgomery County Public Schools, and also continued sharing his love for theater as a teacher for Adventure Theatre MTC Academy at BlackRock Center for the Arts. He also provided social media marketing for the Olney Theatre Center and coordinated events for the National Association of Veterans Research and Education Foundations.
Sonie frequently shared his incredible talents with his loved ones and the community. From performing in numerous theater productions (Wizard of Oz, Don Quixote, Honk, Spamalot, Beauty and the Beast, etc.), to bringing listeners to tears when singing "He Lives in You '' from The Lion King, to coordinating choreography and videography for his nieces' and nephew's proposals and weddings. Sonie also passed down his talents to his family, encouraging his nieces and nephews to participate together in family performances at talent shows, church functions, and social events. The family group band names were "Pones and the Blankets" and "Pones and the Ponettes." Sonie had a certain charisma that exuded from his every song, dance, and performance, inspiring and putting a smile on the faces of all who experienced his passions.
Sonie was dedicated to his family, both his relatives and his close friends. From showing support by attending various performances and sports tournaments, to camping trips where he was known as a masterful scary storyteller, to the annual white elephant parties he would hold without fail, Sonie was always generous with the time he spent with his loved ones. He was also devoted to his parents, especially after the passing of his father. He made sure that his mother was well cared for, cooking her meals, spending quality time, and lovingly tending to his father's garden. To Sonie, everyone was welcome, everyone was included, and everyone was cherished and celebrated for exactly who they were.
On February 9th, 2021 at Holy Cross Hospital, Sonie passed from this earth with his beloved family by his side. Although he is no longer physically with us, he will forever live on in our hearts and memories. His legacy continues on through each of us.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the clergy, family, and friends that have been so supportive during this unforeseen time. We appreciate all your love and kind words. We ask that you continue to keep our beloved Sonie and us in your prayers always.
Please refrain from purchasing flowers- consider donating to Sonie's favorite causes:
