SAMUEL MICHAEL PONTICELLI

1953 - 2022

Samuel Michael Ponticelli, age 69, born to the late Samuel F. and Roma Ponticelli, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in humble beginnings with his family of six. Sam was a treasured son and brother. If you didn't find him tending to his pet pigeons on their city apartment's roof, you could find him fishing at the lake to contribute to the family with a fresh catch for dinner. As soon as Sam was old enough, he obtained a job at the local grocery store stocking shelves and processing meat; his exceptional work ethic and morals were seen at an early age. The money Sam made at the grocery store was given directly to his Mother to use for the family. Lovingly known as "Sammy" by his parents and sisters, he was raised in a home that instilled family values which he later passed down to his children. Sam moved to Addison, IL as a teen and attended Addison Trail High School where he focused on his academics. After high school, Sam was accepted into Elmhurst College, where he put himself through school by restoring cars with his father. He obtained a degree in Science (Biology) and aspired to have a career that would make a positive impact on people's lives. After college, he worked in the insurance industry where he excelled in sales. At that time, Sam started his own family and his priority was to provide for his four beloved children: Sam, Kelly, Megan and Amber. With Sam's Science degree and exceptional talent at sales, he accepted an opportunity at Austin Chemical Company. He was able to be front and center, helping facilitate many pharmaceuticals that would benefit people from all over the world. It was a demanding position, with lots of travel, that Sam balanced with family life. Not only was he business savvy, he was also mechanically inclined. You could find him in his garage on Saturday mornings listening to oldies, while working on various projects with his children (assistants). He loved capturing memories with his camcorder. He frequently recorded playing oldies where he would sing and dance with his girls, Kelly, Megan and Amber. They are some of his children's most cherished memories. If you know SMP, you know his love for Christmas. Traditions included holiday cooking, decorating and celebrating with his family. The star of the Christmas decorations was Sam's train collection (a passion passed down by his Father). He also loved holiday movies and was a fan of cinema, which is a fondness he shared with his son, Sam and daughter, Megan. Sam held a close relationship with his adult children. Gathering for holidays, birthdays, vacations, and celebrations with them and grandchildren are memories they will hold near and dear to their hearts. He loved showing his majestic train display to his grandchildren, whom they affectionately called Papa Choo Choo. He was extremely proud of Sam, Kelly and Amber for becoming such loving and dedicated parents. Sam later in life had two more children, Jared and Connor, who he adored and shared many passions with. During this time, he became CEO and owner of Austin Chemical where he ran the company with integrity, dedication, and a goal to take care of all of his children. He was a devoted father, who went on many adventures with the boys, including annual Disneyland trips. He enjoyed taking up fencing and chess with his son Jared, and fishing and bowling with his son Connor. He was extremely proud of all of their academic accomplishments and their plans for the future. You could not have a conversation with Sam without him making mention of what great achievements the boys made that week. Whether it was a hockey game well played, a fish caught, a well written paper, or being beaten at chess, Sam always expressed how proud he was of his boys. Sam may be gone physically from this earth, yet his legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren. He was an exceptional man, the rock of his family. If you were fortunate enough to know him, you\ recognize the world lost a bright light and a great man. Survived by his beloved children, Samuel C. Ponticelli, Kelly P. (Michael) Barrile, Megan Ponticelli, Amber P. (Timothy) Wrzesinski, Jared Ponticelli, Connor Ponticelli; and loving grandchildren, Ciana, Aviana, Cole, Lincoln and Autumn; sisters, Clare Cole and Debbie Ponticelli; and preceded in death by parents, Samuel F. and Roma Ponticelli; and sister, Marie Ponticelli. Visitation will be held Saturday, April 30th, 1 PM to 5PM, Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL. A Funeral service will be held at 4PM at the funeral home. Interment Sunland Memorial Park, Sun City, AZ. Memorial donations in Sam's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html. For funeral information, 847-359-8020 or visit www.smithcorcoran.com.