CEDIA has shared the news of the passing of Ponch Wildman, husband of CEDIA Board Chairperson Amanda Wildman. A valued member of the CEDIA family, Ponch unexpectedly passed away last week at the age of 45. The entire community joins CEDIA in mourning this unspeakable loss and sends its support to Amanda and their children, Morgan and Tyler.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established for those who wish to support the family during this difficult time.
The Wildman family has shared a touching tribute to Ponch, which can be read here.
Excerpt from the CEDIA GoFundMe page:
Amanda has been a tireless advocate for our industry, a trusted colleague, and a friend to so many throughout the CEDIA community. In moments like this, we are reminded that our industry is more than a profession — it is a family. Ponch’s passing is a heartbreaking loss, and while no contribution can ease the grief Amanda and her loved ones are experiencing, our support can help provide stability and peace of mind during an unimaginable time.
We encourage anyone whose life has been touched by Amanda’s generosity, leadership, kindness, or friendship to consider supporting her family. Now is our opportunity to surround Amanda with the same care and support she has shown so many others.
Excerpt from Ponch Wildman’s obituary:
Randolph (Ponch) Donald Wildman Jr., born June 14, 1980, peacefully entered into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 4, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, mentorship, adventure, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the people he loved.
Ponch was always quick to point out that he was born on Flag Day, a fact he shared proudly throughout his life. In more recent years, he took even greater delight in telling anyone who would listen that the President of the United States happened to share his birthday as well.
To know Ponch was to know someone who could solve almost any problem, make friends wherever he went, and turn even the most ordinary day into an unforgettable adventure. He possessed a unique combination of technical brilliance, entrepreneurial vision, infectious enthusiasm, and an unwavering commitment to the people and causes he cared about most.
Born with an entrepreneurial spirit and an unmatched ability to troubleshoot, Ponch built a life centered on helping others. Whether solving a complicated technology problem, mentoring a young athlete, supporting a friend, or helping a family create the home of their dreams, he approached every opportunity with creativity, determination, and a genuine desire to make life better for those around him.
