John Pondelli died peacefully at age 87 on Friday morning November 23 surrounded by his family. He was the husband of the late Josephine A. (Baxter) Pondelli.
He was born in Cambridge on May 13, 1920 the son of the late Pasquale and Alexandria Pondelli. He was raised and educated in Somerville. He became a resident of Tewksbury in 1950. John worked as a milkman for 40 years in Boston retiring at age 52 from the Whitings Milk Co. He was successful at assisting his three sons in various endeavors in building trades. John served in the Engineer Corps for the US Army in Africa and throughout Europe for four years without leave during WWII.
He is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, John J. Pondelli Jr. and his wife Sandra (Finney) of Deerfield, NH. Walter J. Pondelli and his wife Joan of Pittsfield, NH. Robert J. Pondelli and his wife Christine (Doyle) of Tewksbury. A daughter Joan and her husband Don Dunham of Quincy. Two sisters Rose Ciano of CA, and Mildred Cincotta of Georgia. A sister-in-law Dolly Pondelli of Somerville. Eleven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. He is also surved by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Brother of the late Josie Champi, Rita Pondelli, Anna Dorino, Helen Pondelli, and Albert Pondelli. Father-in-law of the late Donna (Doucette) Pondelli
His Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, Nov. 28, in St. William’s Church, Tewksbury. Interment with Army Honors was in St. Mary Cemetery.