January 15, 1932 – July 11, 2022 (age 90)
Newburgh, NY
Joseph W. (Joe) Ponessi, a lifelong resident of Newburgh, NY, entered into rest at his home surrounded by family on July 11, 2022 at the age of 90. Joe was born January 15, 1932 to Joseph John Ponessi and Elizabeth (Martino) Ponessi of Newburgh, NY.
Joe married the love of his life, Jane Mae (Brady) Ponessi on May 13, 1951 and they were happily married for 44 years before Jane’s passing on April 24, 1995.
He was predeceased by his brother Louis Ponessi and his sister Thomasina Bello. He is survived by his sisters-in-law Gloria Ponessi and Doris Brady.
Joe was blessed and is survived by his loving children: Patricia DeStefano, Linda Giammarco and husband Ronald, Joseph Ponessi II and Elizabeth Ponessi who cared for their dad with all their hearts. He was predeceased by his infant son James Michael Ponessi. He also had many loving nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Joe was a milk distributor most of his life, delivering milk in the Newburgh and surrounding area together with his brother Lou and his son Joe for over 60 years.
He served in the United States Army from 1952-1954.
Joe was an excellent bowler and was the first one to bowl a perfect game at Tarsio Lanes in Newburgh. He was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame in 2002.
He loved singing and played many instruments: piano, accordion and trumpet. He wrote some of his own songs (Funny Face and I Miss You) which he loved to sing at many family occasions. Some of his fondest memories included singing and playing the piano every weekend with his friends at Tarsio Lanes, jokingly inventing what we now call Karaoke. He loved Jimmy Roselli, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin.
He enjoyed many vacations and trips to Atlantic City and Wildwood Crest, NJ with his wife, children and friends. He loved singing in the car on the road trip down and back. He loved shooting the dice at the crap tables and betting the Horn-Hi-Yo.
Joe found some of his happiest days at family picnics opening clams, cooking filets and his special baked clam recipe that made everyone look forward to the next get together.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 17, 2022 from 2-5 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Avenue, Newburgh, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 18, 2022 at Sacred Heart Church, Newburgh, with burial following in Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor, NY.
