Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
John Ponzo Obituary
John Thomas Ponzo, age 98, of Fairfield, the loving husband of the late Lillian Cubelli Ponzo, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 28, 2016. Born in Brooklyn, NY to the late Gasper and Anna Ponzo, John served as Chief Pharmacist's Mate in the U.S. Navy during World War II attached to the submarine fleet in the Pacific Theatre. He subsequently attended New York University and Manhattan College.
John moved to Fairfield in 1947 and began his business, Federal Fabrics, in Bridgeport which he operated for many years. He was an avid boater and was a longtime member of Fitness 4000 in Bridgeport. John was also a devout parishioner of Our Lady of Assumption Church.
In his later life, John was a resident of the Watermark 3030 Park.
John is survived by his devoted daughter, Catherine Ann Vitrella and her husband, Thomas Benvenuto of Norwalk; two cherished grandsons, David of Houston, TX and John of Jacksonville, FL and six great grandchildren.
Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. directly at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Fairfield. A Military Honor presentation will take place immediately following the service. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home in Fairfield has been entrusted with the arrangements. To send an online condolence, please visit www.shaughnesseybanks.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Ponzo
Grant Dalling
February 23, 2025
Great man, was a very good friend of my late father Ken Dalling.
Many laughs on the boats in South Benson Marina
Grant Dalling
March 3, 2016
To the family of Mr Ponzo,
I will always remember Mr Ponzo as a happy man who enjoyed life to it's fullest. I was a Ffld Police Marine Unit officer for 12 years and used to stop and visit Mr Ponzo at his boat.
On behalf of myself and my father Kenneth Dalling we pass our sincere condolences to you and yours on the passing of your dad.
March 2, 2016
Cathy, Where do I start? Your Dad was larger than life. I really was starting to believe that he would be here forever. As you know, I met your parents when I was a teenager and my Mom was making clothes for me and her customers. What a handsome man with a laugh and a joke for everyone. You have my deepest sympathy. Wish I could be there for you, but I am in Florida, as you know. Love you, Gail
Donna Fermo
March 2, 2016
I offer my condolences to John's family. I was John's barber for a short time at Watermark. He was larger then life and his sense of humor will stay with me a long time. You will be truly missed John, I hope you find a poker game up there in heaven. Rest in paradise my friend.
john tomatore
March 2, 2016
So sorry,my family offers condolances
March 2, 2016
3/2/16
to John's family-
my wife and I have know John for many years. We met him, at Fitness 4000
many years ago. He was full of life, and vigor. We went to his birthday party, when he was 96 yrs old.
Our best condolences to all of you!
rriverdechi!!
Mr.and Mrs J. Robert Friend(Fairfield)
[email protected]
203-384-8689
Nick Nichols
March 1, 2016
To the Ponzo Family,
On behalf of the Charleston Base SUBVETS and Swamp Fox Chapter SUBVETS WWII, I offer you our sincere condolences on John's passing. We grieve with you on the loss of your loved one and all SUBVETS and their families have your family in our thoughts and prayers. There is no expiration date on the back of our dolphins and John will always be remembered as a Brother of the Phin, a member of our Greatest Generation, and a great Patriot.
CPhM(SS) John Ponzo
US Navy WWII Submarine Veteran
Now on Eternal Patrol
Sailor Rest Your Oar
Your Shipmates Have The Watch
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate
Charleston Base Submarine Veterans
Nick Nichols, Base Chaplain
March 1, 2016
Mr Ponzo,
Thank you for giving me the opportunity which changed my life. Everything I am is because of you, your knowledge and your guidance.
Cecile Rodia
March 1, 2016
Cathy,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your dad. I had the pleasure of meeting him once. He spent most of the conversation talking about his great love for you. He was so very proud of you.
May your memories carry you through this very difficult time.
Love,
Cecile Rodia
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
March 1, 2016
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any mans death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
Judi Stiliha
March 1, 2016
It was my pleasure to work and grow to love Mr. Ponzo after he hired me at Federal Fabrics. I worked for him until the business ended and have stayed friends for all these years. We would talk on the phone every now and then and he always was a caring and wonderful man, with a great sense of humor. I'm sure his family will greatly miss him. He was a gentleman for sure.
March 1, 2016
Dearest john, you were a bright light in a very dark time of my life. You spread joy and happiness where ever you went. The world was a much better place for your having been in it.
Louis C. Santoro
March 1, 2016
Kathy sorry to hear about your Dad he lived a long prosperous life good for him
Helen Bepko
March 1, 2016
Dear Cathy and family,
My husband Bob and I had the pleasure of meeting your dad many years ago in the pool at the (then) Italian Community Center - followed by years at Fitness 4000. It was always a joy to be in his company. He had a gifted personality that always made everyone feel they were important to him - as he was important to them.
We were so honored to be invited to his 90th and 95th birthday celebration and will remember all the wonderful memories we cherish of him. We celebrate his life!
Helen and Bob Bepko
Kathleen Duke
March 1, 2016
Cathy & Tom,
So glad I got to reconnect with your Dad at 3030. He always had a big smile for me. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Kathy & Michael Duke
Donna Donahue
March 1, 2016
Rest in Peace xxoo
Donna Donahue
March 1, 2016
Mr. Ponzo you will always be in my heart you taught me a lot and encouraged me is so many different ways God Put you in my life for a reason I am so blessed and fortunate to know you. You always Smiled when you seen me you were an awesome intelligent man and I You will always be Remembered Beautiful ------ Beautiful :):):):):)
March 1, 2016
These members of our "Greatest Generation" went off to war so that others could enjoy the freedom that we hold so dear. Thank you for serving our country and protecting us.
A grateful American
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in John Ponzo's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for John Ponzo
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Ponzo's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
