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Anthony P. Pontillo

FUNERAL HOME

Gilmartin Funeral Home - Batavia

329-333 West Main Street

Batavia, New York

Anthony Pontillo Obituary

Pontillo, Anthony, P.
East Rochester: Age 87 of East Rochester entered into rest February 14, 2010, formerly of Batavia. Predeceased by his wife Lena Caccamise, brothers James, Samuel and Michael, sisters Rose Constantino, Jenny Pontillo and Anna Veltz. Survived by his sons Philip (Linda) Pontillo of Fld., David (Denise) Pontillo of Fairport, Rodney (Jessie) Pontillo of Hawaii, his daughters Georgia Woodring of Pittsford, and Cathy (Jerry) Fricano of Fairport. Also survived by sisters Mary Cafora of Lockport, and Eleanor Rhodes of Fld. 2 sister-in-laws Jean Pontillo of Batavia and Dorothy Pontillo of Fld. He will be sadly missed by his 9 grandchildren: Patrick, Grady, and Dana Woodring, Jerry, Leah and Jake Fricano, David and Kasey Pontillo, Tony and Phil Pontillo and Shannon Pontillo... His greatest joy in recent years were his 9 great-grandchildren, Tessa, Isabella, Siena and Lia Woodring, Olivia Fricano, Nico and Naia Gonzalez and Kayla Pontillo.
Upon discharge from the Army, Mr. Pontillo and his brothers Sam and Jim opened a pizzeria in Batavia in 1947. For the next 62 years, Sam and Tony proudly saw their children expand their fledgling business, and today there are 28 privately-owned pizzerias bearing the Pontillo name. Tony had a boundless zest for life, lived every minute lie it was his last, and was loved by all who knew him. His quick wit was still strong in his last days and is what we will most remember about him.
Friends may call on Tuesday from 4-8pm at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 W. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. Prayers will be recited on Wednedsday, Feb. 17th at 9:30 AM at the Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Ascension Parish (St. Anthony's Church) 122 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020. Entombment in the Msgr. Swartz Mausoleum St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tony's name may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 15 Prince Street, Rochester, NY 14607 [email protected] or Flaum Eye Institute Development Office Box 659 Rochester, NY 14642.
For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle from Feb. 15 to Feb. 16, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Pontillo

22 Entries

Edward Pontillo

February 20, 2010

He was the begining of a great era for the Pontillo name, I was 6 years old when they started I'll never forget the wonderful smells of the pizza shop. He will be greatly missed. Edward S. Pontillo,now in Kingman az.

February 19, 2010

Our sympathy to the family. Tony was a fun and wonderful man who was so good to us on our visit in 2005 when we visited and met so many of our family relatives. Thank You and God Bless.
Penny (Pontillo) & Ed Phillips
La Junta, Co

February 18, 2010

Kathy we are so sorry to hear about your father. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Marilyn and Dick Rink

Becky and Brian Fitzpatrick

February 17, 2010

I was very saddened when i heard the news of Uncle Tonys passing. .Although we haven't seen each others families in years I want you to know you all have been in my thoughts and I have many happy memories of the times we got together. Uncle Tony was very kind to us and fun to be around. Having lost my father a few years ago i understand what a tremendous loss this is for all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Becky and Brian Fitzpatrick and Family

Wendy Stumpf

February 17, 2010

My deepest sympathy goes to all of the Pontillo family.

Tony sounds like an amazing man, father, brother, uncle, & friend. As well as an amazing business owner.

To me Pontillo's is THE ORIGINAL and ONLY PIZZA!!! Growing up in HF-L Pontillo's is where we went on a Friday night after Middle School & High School Dances, or just when we were craving pizza.

My heart is deeply saddened by the news. I wish his family, friends & All who knew him: healing & love. From the stories I have read, as well as stories I have heard over the years from Good Friends who knew him well, he sounds like an amazing person & will be missed.

In deepest sympathy,

Wendy Stumpf

Originally from Honeoye Falls-Lima/Mendon, NY

Richard Oddo

February 17, 2010

Georgia,Phil, Kathy and David my deepest sorrow. Your Dad was one of the best person that lived in our lifetime. When I was a teenager after school we'd stop at the Otis St pizzeria, help sent down chairs , he'd give us a slice of pizza, tell a joke or two, give us advice. The joy of the day afte school. Later in my life he would stop and visit me on my job at my home talking about life. A good man, I loved him as a friend. Keep him in your hearts, he was the best slice of pizza in life.

February 17, 2010

My condolences to the family. Growing up in Charlotte Pontillo's Pizzeria on Lake Avenue was the best!

Mary Jo Pascucci Klemmer

February 17, 2010

Oh what a character he was! I have so many memories of working with him at Lake Ave & Mt Hope. He moved around that pizza shop like greased lightning and was forever playing practical jokes. He used to love dipping his finger in the anchovy juice and then sneaking up behind me and sticking his finger inside my cheek. Or, when he wasn't working, he'd call the shop and disguise his voice pretending to be an angry customer. What a great man he was, so kind to everyone, always a joy to be around. May the wonderful memories of him comfort you in your time of sorrow.

joe digiro

February 17, 2010

Sorry for the loss, Tony and my dad were lifelong friends for more than fifty years! The last time I saw Tony was at my dad's funeral in 06 and he said 'THE OLD MAN COULDN'T WAIT!'your dad was a good man and this proves that lifelong friends are born into eternity! May God Bless Joe Digiro jr

David Rhodes

February 16, 2010

Dear Georgia, Phil, Cathy, and Dave

We were so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. We all know, though, that Tony had a terrific life. He was a great uncle, too, and I was proud to be his godson. I know it's a cliche, but he truly will be missed by so many people.

Bruce Carlson

February 16, 2010

Georgia and the Woodring Family,
We're so sorry to hear of your loss. Tony's legend and stories are still alive the Mid-west as well. We're thinking of you and miss you!
Peace and Love...Always!
Bruce and Gail

Youli Gatsis

February 16, 2010

My condolensces to the Pontillo family. He will be missed at Forest Hills Restaurant, where his humour and good nature will be always remembered.

February 16, 2010

Sorry for your loss he will be miss by all. When I was 15-17 years of age I had a friend that lived in Batavia and I would come from Rochester to stay with her on week ends. The first place that we would go to was the Pizza Place. We had so much fun in thoes days. This was in the 50,s. I wish we could get thoes days back again!

Jim Morgan

February 16, 2010

Dear Phil, David, Cathy & Georgia
Of all the people I called on while in the yellow page business your Dad stands out as the most memorable. When he was born the mold was thrown away. Even though I had not seen him in years he will be sorely missed.

Mike Keil

February 15, 2010

Dear Georgia, Phil, Cathy and Dave,

Like most people our age who grew up in Batavia, I’ve had the privilege of knowing your father all my life. Tony was great. He hired me when I was fourteen and gave me the best business advice I ever received, “Don’t wager with a customer. You either lose the bet or if you win the bet you lose the customer.” Tony was big hearted, generous and incredibly witty. My memories of Tony are plentiful and the stories are legendary. But today I remember Tony on a hot summer night, hosting the pool party after work on Farwell Drive for the all of us kids, making burgers at midnight, laughing, and finally before leaving to go inside - wishing us a Good Night.

My Sincere Condolences,

Tim Tartaglia

February 15, 2010

In 1977 at the age of 16, i walked in to the yet to be completed Pontillos on Lyell Ave. Tony hired me on the spot and told me to start the next day.Your whole family made me part of your family. i will never forget you.Your dad and mom (Lee)both leaving us in February and now reunited. Peace and Love. Rocky (Tim)

February 15, 2010

Phil, Cathy, Georgia & David
I got to know you parents briefly when they lived in Clearwater. My husband Joe had known them in Rochester for many years prior to 1977 and had remained good friends with Tony to the end. They sure did love the horses and the dogs. So sorry that he's gone now. My prayers are with you all.
Marge DiGiro, Belleair Beach, FL

Frank G

February 15, 2010

Goodbye Tony. I have often told stories of the great times I had with you and Sam working at the Otis St shop. Where did the 60 years go?

Your old friend you called "Slick"

eleanor rhodes

February 15, 2010

Georgia, Phil, Cathy, David and family,
I miss my brother already!!!! I loved him very much. My prayers and love to all of you at this difficult time. Love, Aunt Eleanor

Kim Rhodes Babbitt

February 15, 2010

Georgia,Kathy,Phil,David and Family,
I was very saddened to hear about my dear uncle. I loved him very much. He called me "Kimmel" since I was a little girl and I would laugh every time I talked to him when he said it. I am thankful to have so many fond memories with your mom and dad. He was a very special uncle and I will miss him. Love, Kim

Arlene Riley & Anna Forzilli (Lena's nieces)

February 15, 2010

To The Pontillo Family:

When my cousin Anna called me this morning to tell me the sad news that Tony has passed away, I was so heartbroken, he was a man I thought would live forever. Tony’s passion for life, food and people made him a person you wanted to me around.
My cousin Anna and I would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy; we will miss Tony's trips to Boston.

Ron and Judy Lockwood

February 15, 2010

To the entire Pontillo family:
We first met Tony when he opened the store in Spencerport and we became good friends. Over the years we have stayed in touch and enjoyed his sense of humor, his intelligence and his advice on business matters. Tony was a special person who valued friendship and we all valued his. May God bless your entire family as you go through this difficult time. He will be missed by all who knew him.

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