 That same year, he made an appearance at a Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters luncheon honoring his friend and former co-star Connie Stevens, where the two old friends sang the "Hawaiian Wedding Song".In 2006, Ponce, who was home on Maui for a high school reunion, gave locals a thrill by performing an impromptu jam with stand-up comic Augie T. After retiring, Ponce spent time with his wife of over five decades and his grandchildren.He died on July 19, 2013 at 80.