John A Ponzillo

John A. Ponzillo 91 of Rotterdam and Cape Coral, Florida died at home Tuesday evening October 2, 2007 in the arms of his grandchildren. Born in Schenectady, John was the son of the late Frank and Ida Ponzillo and brother of the late Joseph Ponzillo and Beatrice Shafer. A graduate of St. Joseph's High School, he attended Union College and was a graduate of the General Electric Apprenticeship Course. An entrepreneur, John was a machinist at the General Electric Co. and later for Eastern and Pan American Airlines. He was also the former owner of Ponzillo's Food Market, the Village Inn in Ballston Spa, Ponzi's Inn in Schenectady, the Martinque Restaurant and San Souci Restaurant both in Scotia and Office Restaurant in Rotterdam. He retired in 1988 as president of MJF Steel Inc. in Rotterdam. He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church, the Scotia Senior Merchants Bowling League, the Canali Golf League, the Idaka Forum, the Schenectady County Tavern Owners Association and was Past President of the Schenectady Builders Exchange. John was the devoted husband to his best friend and caregiver, Evelyn A. (Ames) Ponzillo who he married November 14th, 1961. He is also survived be his beloved daughter Diane M. Cossey of Rotterdam and his cherished grandchildren; Rick Simmons 2nd and wife Lisa of Hageman, NY, Donald J. Simmons of Broadalbin, Justin Cossey and Christopher Cossey both of Rotterdam. and cherished great grandchildren; Julianna ,Jonathan, Damian and Malcolm Richard Simmons 3rd. Funeral services will be held on Friday morning October 5th at 8:15 am at Bond Funeral Home, Broadway & Guilderland Avenue, Schenectady followed at 9 am at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 2216 Rosa Road, Niskayuna, NY where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 7 to 9 pm. Entombment will be in Most Holy Redeemer Mausoleum.