1951
2019
Fred James Ponti
Brick - Fred James Ponti (June 8, 1951- January 12, 2019) passed at home in Brick, NJ, surrounded by family on Saturday at the age of 67. Born in Jersey City, NJ, Freddy "Fredo" was a long- time resident of Secaucus, NJ. He married Toni Lee (Folio) Ponti in 1979 and is survived by his wife and two daughters, Krista Lee and Dana Lee. Dedicating 37 years to the Secaucus BOE, Fred taught Social Studies and later became Principal of Secaucus Middle School and Huber Street Elementary School. Retiring in 2011, he rekindled his passion for music and cars. He could be found drumming throughout the Jersey Shore with the band Let's Be Frank, or behind the counter at My Family Auto. Son of Fred and Viola Ponti (both deceased); brother of Pamela (Ponti) Ulrich (deceased) and Thomas Ulrich; uncle of Georgio and Carlo Maiorano; son-in-law of Anthony "Coach" Folio (deceased) and Flora Folio; brother-in-law of Michael Folio (deceased) and Cheryl Levin Folio; uncle of Laura and Ben Horton, Brielle and Tara Folio. He leaves behind many beloved friends and relatives. Visitation will be held at Mack Memorial Home, 1245 Paterson Plank Rd., Secaucus, NJ, 3-8pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2019. Funeral services will be conducted at Immaculate Conception RC Church, 1219 Paterson Plank Rd., Secaucus, on Thursday, January 17, 2019, at 10:45 am. Flowers welcome; donations can be made in Fred's name to the Guma Foundation at gumafoundationinc.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Mack Memorial Home.
I had many dealings with Freddie and Toni Lee. They were my Upline in Amway. Freddie was always positive and a bolt of energy. I learned much from him and appreciated the fact that I had a chance to interact with him. Thanks for the advice when given! You will be missed
DL
Work
June 13, 2023
I'm so very sorry to hear of the passing of Fred. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. -Nora Kulakowski
January 21, 2019
Sending my sincerest condolences to Krista, Dana and Toni. I met Fred when I worked alongside his beautiful Krista on the school musicals at Toms River Intermediate North where his daughter was a teacher. He came to lend support to Krista and encourage the cast. Everyone fell in love with him. His enthusiastic and spirited personality was infectious. May he rest in eternal glory and peace.
Kelly Zuzic
January 19, 2019
I was saddened to hear about the loss of such a wonderful person. I taught with Fred at Huber Street School which brought back fond memories of a kind and caring human being. His students loved him, as well as his co workers. He had a zest for life! My deepest sympathy to his family and may the memories you shared bring you comfort at this difficult time. May you Rest In Peace Fred
Charlotte Tritico
January 18, 2019
Jody Rodman
January 18, 2019
Thinking of Fred Ponti today. I was happy to meet his beautiful loving family at the wake, but terribly sad it was under such unfortunate circumstances. His passing has saddened me so. He was a very special kind of teacher. A rare person that had the innate ability to make everyone around him feel important and special. He seemed to see the gifts in everyone. He had a way of reaching kids that was truly unique at a time when many felt lost, self-concious or misunderstood. I moved when I was going into 9th grade. So I was entering a high school where I did not feel I fit in. I had very few friends at first..just the kids I had met over that summer we had moved. Being the "new girl" at the onset of high school was hard enough but being Jewish in a town that did not have many Jews was also hard. I really just wanted to sing, make friends and be part of it all but it took time. I will never forget the friends that made me feel welcome and the mentors that helped me realize that it was okay to not fit in" or be like everybody else and to be authentically truly me. Fred Ponti was a bright light and helped me to understand these things by just being his supportive self! By the time I was a senior I was VP of the school and working with the middle school to help create fun events and a great environment. I worked alongside Fred Ponti at that time which was a treat and privilege. The bond was there. Even in this last year he would drop a loving comment on a picture I would post of my family. He knew my mom, he knew my brother and here's a sweet story that illustrates the kind of guy I remember...I met my husband in high school. We bonded over music and played guitar and sang together. Bobby also played drums. When he was 17 he sold his drums to none other than Fred Ponti (who was a drummer). He sold them to Fred Ponti so that he could buy car insurance for the first time. Fred Ponti was part of those very special, very vulnerable years and I can only imagine how many he lifted up with his cool wit, humor, kindness, support and infectious smile! Thank you Mr. Ponti! you were truly loved!❤ #thebestteacher
Stacie Rose
January 17, 2019
Mr. Ponti was the best teacher, always smiling and had such a zest for life and making sure his students excelled but yet had fun. May you be at Peace with the Good Lord and shine down on us all. Will never forget you. My condolences to the family at this time.
The Mayers
January 17, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss! I knew Freddy from My Family Auto. We would chat while I would wait for my car. One of the kindest gentleman I ever met! Jody Rodman
January 16, 2019
a loved one
January 16, 2019
a loved one
January 16, 2019
Freddie was the life of the party, always uplifting all around him in spite of difficult circumstnces. He will be sorely missed. Loved by all who knew him.
Frank & Kathy MacKinney
Frank MacKinne
January 15, 2019
May you dwell in the house of the Lord forever..Till we meet again, my friend. Love You❤
Lynne Gadaleta
Friend
January 15, 2019
I met Freddy sometime in the mid-80s when I was 19 and his encouraging words and enthusiasm continue to inspire me to this day. Unforgettable human being! Sincere condolences to Toni and family.
Bob Horsford
January 15, 2019
Fred was simply a great guy. He enjoyed life and that rubbed off on everyone !
My condolences to the entire family.
RIP Fred
Stan Fryczynski
January 15, 2019
While I never had the privilege of having Mr. Ponti as a teacher, I clearly remember how his smile could light up a room! His infectious personality and uplifting spirit made a mark on all of us who crossed his path. May your love and light continue to shine across the entire universe. My deepest condolences to the family.
Jeanne Burmeister
January 15, 2019
The world lost a great man. So many memories. So many smiles. Thank you for changing many days from sad to glad. Youll be missed
Judy Preinfalk
Friend
January 15, 2019
Long time knowing a great man..Peace and Love remains in our hearts to have known you Fred.☮
Elizabeth Finger
Neighbor
January 14, 2019
Fred you have touched so many of us on your life's journey. Your passion for life was infectious. It was wonderful to know you. You were beautiful inside and out. Prayers to your beautiful family. May you rest peacefully. ❤ Renee
Renee (Marciano) Bella
January 14, 2019
Rest in Peace Mr.Ponti .. Best teacher anyone could ever have !!! Sending prayers to the family
Maria Marasciiulo
January 14, 2019
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