Louis James Pontolillo
Louis James Pontolillo, 87, beloved husband of 65 years to Evelyn Payne Pontolillo, of Jepson Lane, Meriden, passed away on July 24, 2009 at Mid State Medical Center after a short illness. He was born in Meriden on July 8, 1922 to the late James and Claribel Conklin Pontolillo and stepmother Gertrude Lemke Pontolillo. Besides his wife, Louis leaves his children, Evelyn Garcia of Naugatuck, James Pontolillo and his wife Anita of Waterbury, Louise Damiata and her husband Joseph Jr. of Middlefield, Karen Putnam of Woodbury, Terry Labbe and her husband Fred of Meriden and son-in-law Robert Mowad of Torrington ; siblings, Marion Gawlak of Durham, Peggy Kreck of New Mexico, Trudy Oldendick of OH, and Peter Pontolillo; eleven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Louis is predeceased by his daughters, Ruthann Mowad and infant Christine Pontolillo; sisters Dolly King and Audrey Morrison; son-in-law , Raul Garcia; grandson Anthony Pontolillo and great granddaughter Kasey Labbe. Louis proudly served his country during WWII as a Corporal in the Marine Corp. from 1942-1946. He worked as a Tool Setter for General Motors in Meriden and Bristol. His part-time job was as a photographer partaking in such events as weddings. Also a historian, Louis did a lot of work for the Meriden Historical Society. He was a gunsmith and avid shooter and belonged to the New Departure Fish and Game Club. Louis was a strict, but loving father with a good sense of humor, a devoted husband, and good provider who will be remembered for always putting family first. A Memorial Service will be held at Beecher & Bennett- Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden on Wednesday, July 29th at 11 a.m. Friends may visit with the family Wed. morning from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will follow at the CT State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown.
I’m so sorry to learn of Uncle Jimmy’s passing. Although we haven’t seen him for quite a few years, my memories of the summers you all spent visiting are very clear and will stay in my mind and heart always. We looked so forward to those times, and we always had so much fun! I remember how much we just loved to listen to Uncle Jimmy with his .accent. when he used to spend time talking with us, playing baseball (while he always made up funny names for each of us), how he always took us to visit historical places (and family that we didn’t know 🙂 here in VA. I remember how he showed me how to correctly slice a tomato and how to make a Pepsi (not root beer) float. He is one of a kind, and I know that he will be greatly missed. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you always. Our love to you all, Gail
I’m sooooo Sorry to all of my family for the loss of our .grandpa., husband & father!! Some of my childhood memories of grandpa are…. *God Damit (It was the 1st swear that I learned and I still smile when I think of it. *Grandpa giving me my 1st sip of beer. *Grandpa scarring me with the Herman Munster doll. *Grandpa having me plant his microphone under tables at family functions and then him playing back the conversations later to everyone. *Three of my favorite presents: My 1st camera, Barbie Head & my 1st watch, Minnie Mouse from grandma & grandpa. *Grandpa bringing me down to the basement to teach me about photography. *Our trip to Virginia when I learned what a spickit and party line were. And Getting my favorite pet FLUFFY from grandpas mom!! Well all miss you!!
I was saddened to learn of Uncle Jimmy’s passing. His visits to Virginia are among some of my happiest childhood memories. It was always exciting when he came, because .fun. seemed to follow along with him. I remember us stopping to eat grilled cheese sandwiches at a diner while taking a road trip to visit relatives in Culpeper, making soda and icecream floats in the summer time, him teasing me about being .quiet as a little mouse., and telling me I had pretty auburn hair (when auburn hair wasn’t in .style.!) Although I have not seen him in years, fond memories of fun times together are still vivid in my mind. If I try, I can still hear his thick .northern accent. that I loved. I know he will be sorely missed.
Mrs.Pontolillo and children, We’re very sorry to hear about the passing of your husband,father,and grandfather. I’m sure he’s watching over you and saying how very proud he is to have you as his family and that he loved you very much. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Sincerely Sandy,Dan and family.
My heartfelt sympathy to the entire family and friends during this very sad time. Words cannot express the deep emotions I share with you. Please find peace and comfort in everyones thoughts and prayers. Mr Pontolillo was an exceptional man who I am very grateful that he touched my life as well. Sincerely, Pauline Valenti
Our thoughts and prayers are with each one of you.Uncle Jimmy was one of a kind.We will always hold the many memories we have of the summers all of you spent with us.We love you and may you find peace and comfort at this sad time. Blessed are those who mourn,for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 Love to all,Janice,Diane,Jason and Jimmy
I am deeply sadden to hear that Uncle Jimmy has passed. I will always remember the trip I made to your home in 70’s. It was one of my fondest memories of Uncle Jimmy. Always remember the good time and know that God will take care of him.