Joseph E. Ponzio

Joseph E. "Joe Ponz" Ponzio, 84, of Northford, beloved husband of the late Marilyn Hermann Ponzio, passed away on January 16, 2025 surrounded by his family at Yale New Haven Hospital. Loving father of Joseph M. (Karen) Ponzio, Paul P. (Susan) Ponzio and Christopher J. (Renee) Ponzio. Grandfather of Anthony, Nicholas, Kristina, Nathan, Paige, Kaitlyn and the late Jeffrey Ponzio. Brother of Pasquale "Butch" (Marie) Ponzio and the late Robert Ponzio. Brother-in-law of Jeannette Ponzio. Joe was born in New Haven on May 21, 1940 son of the late Pasquale and Pasqualina Ciccarelli Ponzio. "Joe Ponz" grew up in New Haven and spent the majority of his years with the Post Office as a mail carrier in the Wooster Square neighborhood. He told countless funny stories of his days as a kid living in New Haven and maintained life-long friendships with his grade school buddies and fellow postal office co-workers. As his sons and their families can testify, you couldn't go into any restaurant, pizza place or other business in the Wooster Street area without crossing paths with someone who knew him. He loved spending time over the years hanging out with his friends, playing countless hours of setback and talking about the latest horse races at the First Independence Club and Saint Andrew's Society Club. He was a fiercely loyal friend to all who were fortunate to know him. But most importantly, Joe was a man who loved his family unconditionally. Married to the love of his life, Marilyn, for close to 60 years, he remained a constant protector and pillar of support for his three sons and later, for his grandchildren. Always present at all of their countless birthdays, sporting events, school concerts and graduations, he enjoyed every minute he shared with them. His sons and their families will be forever grateful for his unwavering support, funny demeanor and unconditional love and he will be missed tremendously. Joe proudly served in the United States Army. His funeral procession will leave the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80), East Haven FRIDAY morning at 10:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Ambrose Parish at St. Monica Church at 11:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Family and friends may call THURSDAY from 5pm to 8pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Saint Andrew Society, 515 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joseph, please visit our Tree Store.