Anthony J. “Tony” Ponzio, 69, of Cicero and Old Forge, passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at home surrounded by his loving family. Tony battled cancer for the past seven years with faith, courage and dignity.
He was born on October 14, 1944 to Nicolette and Victor Ponzio. Tony grew up on Syracuse’s North Side, graduating from North High School and attended Mohawk Valley Community College.
He was married to the love of his life and best friend, Diane. Together they raised two children, worked hard and had fun.
He served with the U.S. Army reserves. Tony was employed by the telephone company, now Verizon for 33 years. He loved his job as a special services technician and enjoyed being a union steward. Having been called out in the middle of the night often to remedy problems, his family fondly referred to him as “Dr. Dialtone”.
After his retirement he worked part-time at Inlet Golf Course as well as driving school bus for the Town of Webb. Also during retirement, Tony and his wife owned and operated a vacation rental.
Tony’s family and friends meant the world to him. He coached Little League and never missed a game when he wasn’t coaching.
He took his children and neighborhood kids fishing, boating, and picnicking often. Mr. Ponzio was very popular with his children’s friends as well as his own friends for his wit and sense of humor, never a dull moment.
A communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church, other memberships included were the Covey Pashley American Legion Post #893, Past Grand Night of the Knights of Columbus Council 3057, and also served on the Parish Council at St. Bartholomew’s Church.
Tony volunteered at the Town of Webb Food Pantry, Anna’s Pantry, and was a DAV driver at the Syracuse VA Medical Center.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 46 years, Diane (Shepard) Ponzio of Cicero; his mother, Nicolette Ponzio of Liverpool; daughter, Genevieve (John) DeSpirito IV of Baldwinsville; son, David A. Ponzio of N. Syracuse; cherished grandchildren, John DeSpirito V. and Autumn DeSpirito; two brothers-in-law, Tom Shepard and William (Pam) Dixon; sister-in-law, Pat Shepard and several nieces and nephews.
Services were held Monday, September 15 at the Maurer Funeral Home and at St. Rose of Lima Church in North Syracuse where a Mass of Christian burial was celebrated.
Contributions in Anthony’s memory can be made to Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North St. Liverpool, NY 13088 or St. Rose of Lima Church, 409 South Main St., North Syracuse, NY 13212.
