Michele “Mike” Pontoriero, of Edison, NJ, 68
Michele “Mike” Pontoriero, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away suddenly on January 24, 2025.
Mike was born on May 30, 1956 in Spilinga, Italy to Francesco and Caterina Pontoriero. He was the youngest of four siblings. At age 13, he came to the United States with his family and settled in Newark, NJ. A year later, he went to boarding school at S. Luigi, a prestigious Liceo Classico, run by the Salesian priests in Messina, Italy. Mike was a master storyteller and loved telling his family about growing up in Italy and attending boarding school. After graduating from S. Luigi, he moved back to the United States to be with his parents and siblings. Mike graduated from Seton Hall University in 1980 with a degree in political science. While in college, he met the love of his life, Rosalind. He had a distinguished 42 year career as a financial advisor at Equitable before retiring in November 2023.
The most important thing in Mike’s life was his family. His 40 year marriage to Rosalind was the best example of a loving and devoted relationship. He adored his children, Catherine, Frank, and Cristina, and their spouses, Joe, Michelle, and Jeff. He never missed a soccer practice, dance recital, tae kwon do demonstration, talent show, play, or college parents’ weekend. He spent many years coaching his son Frank’s travel soccer team. He was also a loving brother and uncle. But, the greatest joys of Mike’s life were his 5 grandchildren – Michael Aldo, Gabriella, Michael Vincent, Giuliana, and Marco – who called him “Aboom.”
Mike was one of a kind and had a true zest for life. He was the definition of selfless – always ready to help and provide guidance on any topic. He loved spending his summers in Italy – either on the beaches in Calabria or the mountains in Trentino – and enjoyed sharing these places with his children and grandchildren. He loved watching Italian soccer, especially Juventus, having summer barbeques, jarring tomatoes, and spending Christmas Eve together as a family.
To say he will be missed is an understatement. Dad, ci mancherai sempre.
Visitation on Tuesday from 3 - 7PM.
Funeral from the Galante Funeral Home 2800 Morris Avenue in Union on Wednesday at 8:15AM.
Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Newark at 9:30AM follow by the interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington. The Funeral Mass will also be accessible via livestream on the Facebook page of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church: https://www.facebook.com/OLMCNEWARK
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
3:00 - 7:00 pm
Galante Funeral Home-Union Location
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Starts at 9:30 am
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
Visits: 1219
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