N.J. songwriter, Bon Jovi collaborator, dead at 66

Jack Ponti, a producer and songwriter known for collaborations with Bon Jovi and Alice Cooper, has died at the age of 66.The New Jersey native died Monday, according to an obituary from the Asbury Park Press. A cause of death was not given.Ponti, born Giacomo Pontoriero in Newark, was a resident of Red Bank.“Jack had a rare ability to make people feel seen and valued, whether in the music studio or at home,” the obituary read. “His generosity extended beyond his family, as he was always ready to offer advice, lend a hand, or simply bring laughter to those around him.”The musician’s career began back in the late ‘70s when he played guitar alongside singer Jon Bon Jovi in a band called Rest. This was before Bon Jovi became widely popular in the ‘80s.Rest never landed a major recording deal although it received support from bigger New Jersey acts Southside Johnny and the E Street Band.The group ended up splitting but Ponti and Bon Jovi stayed in touch, eventually…