(718) 761-5544 | 
matthewfh@matthewfuneralhome.com | 
2508 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314
Tribute Wall
Friday
22
April
Visitation at Funeral Home
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Friday, April 22, 2022
Matthew Funeral Home And Cremation Services, Inc.
2508 Victory Blvd.
Staten Island, New York, United States
Saturday
23
April
Mass
9:30 am
Saturday, April 23, 2022
Our Lady Of Pity RC Church
1616 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, New York, United States
Saturday
23
April
Final Resting Place
11:15 am
Saturday, April 23, 2022
Green Wood Cemetery
500 25th Street
Brooklyn, New York, United States
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Leslie Caldwell posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
I just heard about Joe’s passing. (A year too late). I now live in CA but used to work in the US Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn. Joe was indispensable in solving some really important murder cases involving assassinated law enforcement officers. My office prosecuted, but Joe helped beyond measure with his savvy and people skills. I am SO sorry to hear about his passing. I loved him as a unique and talented colleague, and a truly wonderful man.
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Sandra Huddleston lit a candle
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
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My deepest condolences.
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Frank Dillon lit a candle
Monday, April 25, 2022
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Joe was an excellent man and an excellent boss. He will be missed. Sincere condolences to the Ponzi family on this tragic loss. May God give you the strength to help you through your grief
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Colleen O'Connor lit a candle
Saturday, April 23, 2022
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Owen Davies lit a candle
Saturday, April 23, 2022
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Anthony Schembri posted a condolence
Saturday, April 23, 2022
I worked with Joe and broke him in at the DA’s office.
Never met a person so caring and gracious to me and all others.
He came to my appointment ceremony and was truly happy for me.
I still have a letter he sent me tanking me.
I know he loved his family and his a friends.
He took care of my son and guided him for which I will be eternally grateful.
It been said that “he who has found his work is blessed”.
Joe was blessed because he loved his work and made contributions to our profession.
God keep you Joe
Anthony Schembri
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Frances Nardella posted a condolence
Friday, April 22, 2022
From Fran Nardella (Brooklyn)
Anthony and Joe always had great times and great laughs together. I was very sorry to hear of the passing of such a wonderful man and good friend. I am certain that Joe will meet Anthony in heaven. My sincerest condolences go out to the entire family.
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Linda Romano posted a condolence
Friday, April 22, 2022
Heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Ponzi Family! I never had the pleasure of meeting Joe but always wanted to thank him for giving myself and family closure pertaining to one of his investigations. You must have been a very special guy. Rest in eternal peace.
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The family of Joseph J. Ponzi uploaded a photo
Friday, April 22, 2022
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Jean Castello lit a candle
Thursday, April 21, 2022
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Dear Lisa and family, sending our deepest condolences to all of you. so very sorry to hear such sad news. May. Joe Rest in Peace love Jean & Joey Castello
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Gregory Boyle lit a candle
Thursday, April 21, 2022
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Lori Grifa posted a condolence
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Always a gentleman and a consummate professional. Lori Grifa KCDA '89
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Carol Moran posted a condolence
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Joe was an old school “good man:” unwavering love for his wife and daughters( and then grandchildren); absolute integrity; deep commitment to both the work and the people he worked with; skilled at managing up and down- navigating stormy waters with a long-game perspective that generated complete trust in his judgement; a unique ability to really listen and disagree to always reach the best outcome with no trace of ego; and do it all with a warmth and humor that made you feel his patience, kindness and caring. Perhaps most remarkable, no matter the time of night or day, Joe was always impeccably dressed with nary a hair out of place! We are grateful to have had this wonderful person in our lives for over 25 years - his loss is immeasurable.
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Danny Rizzo lit a candle
Thursday, April 21, 2022
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My wife and I are deeply shocked and saddened by Joe's loss. I met Joe when he was the polygrapher in the B'klyn DA's Office and I was Detective in B'klyn back in the 80"s. He then worked his way up to Chief Investigator. He was a master at his craft. I will always remember him as the impeccably dressed, good looking confident guy who always got the job done. There was only one Joe Ponzi. There will never be another. He will be greatly missed by everyone he touched. He was that kind of guy. Our prayers go out to Lisa, his wife, and his family.
Your friend, Danny Rizzo.
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GraceMaresca posted a condolence
Thursday, April 21, 2022
I’ve know you since first grade and laughed with you at our reunions so many years later. Just about a year ago we spoke when I asked your advice on a family issue. You were eagerly waiting the arrival of your new granddaughter. Now you’re in heaven with my beloved fiancé. I hope the angels know what they have. Rest easy, Joe.
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Rita Moran posted a condolence
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Joe Ponzi was always a gentleman. I was his Timekeeper at KCDA for many years ; always a polite and respectful man. May he Rest In Peace. My prayers go out to his family.
Rita Moran
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Jay SHAPIRO posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
I never knew anyone whose name opened more doors in law enforcement. The hours we spent scheming are embedded in my memory. He was funny, clever and caring and never put anything before his wonderful family. We will all miss him terribly.
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Geraldine Key lit a candle
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
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Joe, you are going to be missed! My condolences to Mrs. Ponzi and her Daughters. My God bless the Ponzi Family at this time.
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Nike Elder lit a candle
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
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Dave Burke posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
My heart is broken at the loss of my Dear friend from 8 Street. I jotted some thoughts below but it doesn’t begin to scratch the surface on who he was. Rest In Peace my brother. - Dave Burke
My Man J Ponz
Although I have the knowledge
That life is never fair
I search and search for answers
I know just aren’t there
He did the things we all should do
Gave all he had to give
Always at his best self
Was how he chose to live
Enjoying friends and family
Still only in his prime
No rhyme, no sense, no reason
Cut down before his time
My heartfelt tears and sympathy
To his kids, grandkids and wife
My life I know is richer
Having known him all my life
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Joseph A. Piraino lit a candle
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
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To the Ponzi Family and friends,
I am heartbroken as all of us are over the loss of Joe. He was a great man, dedicated family man, leader, confidant and friend to me as well as many others in Law Enforcement. To call him a gentleman is understated. He was always there to help anyone in need and offer wisdom and advice on a multitude of subject areas. He had the patience of a Saint! There wasn't a holiday or St Joseph's day that went by without a call or text by Joe Ponzi. I had the honor of knowing Joe since the 1970s and treasure our friendship. He was a hero to all of us and I will forever remember him as such. Rest in Peace my good friend!
Sincerely,
Joseph A. Piraino
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George Falvo lit a candle
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
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Phil and Camille Karg posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Your life albeit cut far too short could not have been more well lived and this is self evident. I've been honored to have shared a thirty year friendship and your memory will shadow me forever. My wife and I would like to extend our deepest condolences and may God bring peace and comfort to the Ponzi family, we love you.
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Josh Mayers lit a candle
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
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I worked with and for Joe as first a “Rackets Investigator” and then a DI in the KCDAO Homicide Bureau at the beginning of my 34 years in law enforcement. Everything I learned about talking with witnesses, victims and subjects started with what I learned from Joe. He was a leader, a classy guy, who loved his family dearly. Joe served for decades as a dedicated public servant, on some very mean and unforgiving streets, but he kept his sense of humor and empathy for people. My sincerest and deepest condolences to the entire Ponzi family and to all of Joe’s longtime friends and colleagues. Josh Mayers, DI, KCDAO, 1984-1989.
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David Intrator posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
While we will never comprehend the mystery of why it seems the good die young, we must have faith that god chooses the best amongst us to enter the gates of heaven first.
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Charlie BellaVia lit a candle
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
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So many things to be said. I'll choose 2. I forget the famous person that me and him knew that passed away and he was busy as usual on his way out the door of the Squad Room and said to me "Nobody get's out of life alive Charlie" and when i was awakened from a week induced coma he was standing at my bedside and was trying to talk to me which I didn't remember and the Nurse asked me if I knew who he was and he told me that I said to her that he was my Priest! He then tried to get my attention better and this part I did remember and he asked me "Charlie! Do you know who I am?" And I did tell him "My Chief Ponzi". From then on he surely enjoyed with great humor our referral to him as Father Ponzi.
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William J Brites & Cindy A Rossi Brites posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
To Cousin Lisa, Jen, Laura, and the family
We we're all blessed to have Joe as part of our family. We know he left us much to soon, but the life he lived was the equal of two. He made us all proud. His professional accomplishments aside he cherished his family. He was a loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather. He was a devoted Son, Brother and Brother in Law . The memories are countless and all bring a smile to our faces. If you could right a script on how to live life his would fit the bill. He will be dearly missed.
So very sorry!
Cousin Cindy and Billy
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Bob Woods posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Please accept my condolences ,,,
May Joe Rest In Peace And May Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him… Amen
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Colleen De Boer lit a candle
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
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Dear Lisa and family,
We met by circumstance meant to be. We love so many of the same people it amazes me ! From the minute I met you and Joe. I knew you were a beautiful power couple that stopped at nothing! Greg and I are so blest to have you both in our lives!
Prayers and peace,
Colleen and the De Boer Family
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J Calabrese KCDA '91-'06 posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
To Joe's loving family:
I was part of the KCDA family for 15 years, and I can tell you that Joe had an air about him that made it clear to everyone who met him not only that he knew what he was doing, but he was the best at it. The men and women who served under him revered him. Those of us who relied on him to find that witness and help us get the job done knew we were always in good hands. Joe was the kind of guy you knew about before you ever met him. He was the definition of "Old School." He was one of the few legendary people in that office who deserved his reputation. He was one of a kind. I wish you all peace.
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George Farkas lit a candle
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
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My experience as I aged has taught me that if you are the best looking guy in the place, you're probably also the most self-possessed, snobbish, opinionated and simply a pain to be around.
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I met Joe in the early 70's when I worked as an Assistant D.A. He easily fit the description of the "best looking guy in the place". But that's not what I remember most. He was humble yet forceful, expressing his point of view on cases on which we worked, he changed his mind on issues when satisfied that another approach was better, and he changed the minds of others when he convinced them that HIS approach made more sense. As he rose through the ranks, the wonderful person that was Joe only grew in stature as a good human being and a great person to be around and to work with.
I had the privilege to know Joe for over 40 years. I never heard him raise his voice, he always looked you in the eye when he spoke, he always enjoyed a good laugh and he never resisted a hug.
The world has lost a true good guy and we have been lessened by his passing.
George Farkas
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Nike Elder lit a candle
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
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Jeff Kern posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
To the Ponzi Family,
On behalf of the Kings County District Attorney's Office Alumni Association, I offer my sincerest condolences. Joe was not only a colleague and a friend, but he was an inspiration. His work ethic, professionalism, and excellence is unsurpassed. Joe is legend to generations of prosecutors, investigators, and KCDA staff. No one did it better. I know I am better for having the privilege of working with him and being his friend. There is a gaping hole in the collective heart of the DA's Office community.
RIP, my Friend.
Jeff Kern
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