Anthony M. Ponzillo

Anthony M. Ponzillo
Anthony "Tony" "Pete" "Ponzi" M. Ponzillo, 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, January 23, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital. He was the devoted husband of 56 years to Mary (Dwyer) Ponzillo.
Born on December 21, 1947, in Waterbury, Tony was the son of the late Alphonse and Carmella "Minnie" (Croce) Ponzillo. He was a graduate of Crosby High School, Class of 1965, and the Connecticut School of Electronics. Tony enjoyed a long and successful career in manufacturing management, working for more than 30 years through the transitions of Wheeler Insulated Wire Co. and Sperry Rand Corporation, until his retirement from Unisys. Following retirement, Tony continued his entrepreneurial spirit as the owner and operator of Pete's Package Store in Naugatuck.
Tony was a lifelong communicant of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. He was a longtime member of the Waterbury B.P.O. Elks Lodge No. 265, the Aviglianese Club of Waterbury, and the East Mountain Athletic Association. Along with his friends, he helped organize the Waterbury Sandy Koufax Baseball League, reflecting his love for sports and youth involvement.
In addition to his wife Mary, Tony is survived by his beloved children, Mark and Melissa, and his cherished grandchildren, Julia and James. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. Tony was predeceased by his brothers Alphonse and Michael, and his sister Gloria.
Tony's funeral will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. from Maiorano Funeral Home, 95 Willow Street, Waterbury, to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends may call on Wednesday evening from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Tony's memory may be made to the East Mountain Athletic Association, Waterbury. For information, to sign the online guestbook, or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.maioranofuneralhome.com.