Obituary of Joseph M. Ponzio
Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather
Joseph Mario "Poppy" Ponzio
Joseph, 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 13, 2021 at his long-time home in Roseland, NJ, surrounded by his family following a long battle with illness.
Born in Newark, NJ to Angelina (nee. Ricardi) and Mario Ponzio, he graduated from Bloomfield High School, where he met the love of his life, Roberta (nee. Rivello), to whom he remained married for sixty-five years.
Joey was an avid athlete who had a love for both football and baseball; however his greatest love was for his wife and his family. In fact he gave up a football scholarship to Notre Dame to start the family he loved and cherished with all of his heart. He was employed by the Newark Housing Authority as a draftsman for many years.
Joey is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Roberta; his son Joseph and wife, Maria; his grandsons, Joe Jr. and wife Lauren; and Jared and fiance Cristina Campisi; his great grandchildren, Lexi and Lucas. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Angelina and Mario Ponzio, and his four siblings.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00PM on Wednesday, June 16th at Codey & Jones Funeral Home of Caldwell. Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church, Roseland at 10:30AM on Thursday, June 17th. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to one of the many hospitals and organizations that helped his beloved granddaughter Lexi overcome cancer, including Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital, The Make-A-Wish Foundation and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.