Bruno M Ponterio

Bruno M. Ponterio, 92, a long-time resident and legendary educator of Rye Brook, died peacefully on March 7, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, his wife of 64 years Joann Marie, his daughters Marisa and Lauren, and his son David to whom he had nodded good-bye as David left for his responsibilities in the Ardsley School District, where he has served for three decades.
Extraordinarily strong in body, mind, and heart, he served as Principal of the Ridge Street School from 1970-1995 where, in always putting children first and foremost, he was widely known and respected for creating and nurturing a supportive, stimulating, and safe educational environment for the thousands of children, parents, and teachers who were fortunate enough to benefit from his care, compassion, competence, and commitment. And, indeed, his educational contributions were recognized not only nationally with the 1985-86 National Excellence in Education Award but more importantly by the Blind Brook- Rye community.
Upon his retirement, the institution where he spent most of his career was renamed the Bruno M. Ponterio Ridge Street School. In addition the community provided the Ponterios with a first trip to Europe and an audience with the Pope.
While so many remember seeing his lone car parked in front of the school on Sunday evenings, preparing for the week to come, they will also remember his active participation and loyalty to the Port Chester/Rye Brook community whether as a Trustee of the Port Chester Public Library, member and President of the 40-40 Club, Trustee of the Corpus Christi Parish Council, President of the Blind Brook Enrichment Program, or simply enjoying a meal at Pasquale’s. And there is no surprise that he served on seven separate occasions as Interim Superintendent. He also served as an Adjunct Instructor at Manhattanville College and interim educator in the Chappaqua School System.
Born in Port Chester to immigrant parents, Bruno and Govina Ponterio, he cherished his roots and his siblings Mary, Ida, and John. His mother, especially, not only imbued him with strong values but encouraged her youngest to achieve the American dream and inspire others. An alumnus of Port Chester High School, Bruno, the first of his family to attend college, achieved a BA in Political Science and an MA in Educational Administration and Supervision. His military service included two years in the US Army as a non-commissioned officer.
Very simply, he was a great man of sensitivity and substance, of dignity and integrity, and we feel a great loss with his passing. A devoted husband and father, he took great pride not only in his accomplished children and their spouses, Robert Howard, Victoria Ponterio and Andrew Karp, but his accomplished grandchildren-Lauren Rose, Spencer, Brady, Ella and Charlotte, as well. His life truly was well-lived; he was well- loved, and will be remembered. Yes, the school was named after him - a tribute achieved by few, but as AA Montapert has observed: “The monument of a great man is not of granite or marble or bronze. It consists of his goodness, his deeds, his love, and his compassion.”

Visitation will be 4-8PM on Monday March 11, 2024 at Craft Memorial Home, Inc.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30AM on Tuesday March 12, 2024 at Saint Paul Catholic Church 84 Sherwood Ave. Greenwich, Ct.

Entombment to follow at Saint Mary's Cemetery Rye Brook, NY

Memorial donations in memory of Mr. Ponterio may be made to the Bruno M. Ponterio Award for Excellence & Creativity in Social Studies or to the Bruno M. Ponterio Award in Excellence in the Humanities.

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