Roberta Marie Ponzio

Obituary of Roberta Marie Ponzio

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Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother; Pioneer in Her Field

Roberta Marie Ponzio, 88, passed away unexpectedly in her Roseland, NJ home on Monday, September 8, 2025.

Roberta was born to Robert and Josephine (nee Ilaria) Rivello in August of 1937 in Newark, NJ. She attended Newark schools before graduating from Bloomfield High School, where she met the love of her life, Joseph M. Ponzio.

She and Joey married and moved to Roseland in the late 60's. Roberta was a fabulous cook who also enjoyed the holidays. She was known for her clam chowder, struffoli and anginetti cookies, Christmas peppers and not 7 but 20 Fish in the Feast of Christmas Eve. Family was her number one priority, and she loved taking care of them and spending time with them.

In her later years as her son entered high school, Roberta became a pioneer in home liquidation sales, starting her own company: Pond Liquidators. She was the ultimate professional who became very successful at holding estate sales and dealing in antiques. Roberta was voted President of the Appraisers & Liquidators Association.

Not one for sitting still, she enjoyed shopping at her favorite local stores, swimming and traveling. Roberta was a shark in Atlantic City, playing slots and blackjack. She and her grandson, Jared, would make regular trips to Mt. Airy Casino to try their luck.

Speaking of her grandson, Roberta was devoted to her grandchildren and spending time with them was her absolute favorite thing. Once the great-grandchildren came along, life was perfect.

Sadly after 64 years of marriage, Roberta lost Joey to a long illness. She was also predeceased by her siblings, Sammy (Claire) Rivello; Caroline (Louie) Rotunda; and Adeline (Augie) Strunning.

Roberta is survived by her cherished son, Joseph R. Ponzio and his caring wife, Maria; her adored grandsons, Joseph R. Ponzio, Jr. and his wife, Lauren; and Jared Ponzio and his fiancée, Cristina Campisi; her sweet great-children, Lexi, Lucas and Luciana; her treasured sister, Margaret "Sister Roberta" Rivello; her cousin, Beverly Coraci; her many nieces and nephews; her wonderful housekeeper and friend, Iliana Hernandez; as well as many other friends and neighbors.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 13 th from 9:00am to 10:30am at Codey Funeral Home of Caldwell, with Mass being celebrated in Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament R. C. Church in Roseland at 11:00am. Cremation will be private.

Please visit CodeyFuneralHome.com to share condolences and memories with the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Roberta's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital would be most appreciated.