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Peter J. Ponzo

7/5/2020

11 Comments

 
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Born November 6, 1934 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father on Sunday July 5th 2020, after a valiant fight with bone cancer. He passed peacefully with his wife by his side at Clair Hills Retirement home in Waterloo. We were all able to be at his bedside, having come from out of town, to visit and say our final goodbyes.

Cremation has taken place.  There will be an immediate family “celebration of Life” later on in the year.

Peter was predeceased by his father Ross Ponzo, his mother Antonina (nee Re) and all his siblings Lawrence, Joanne Arrigo (nee Ponzo), Jim, Leonard, and Joe. Peter is survived by his wife Heidi Ponzo (nee Hilgenberg), Kevin, Gary, Deborah Locke (nee Ponzo), and Lori Gibbs (nee Ponzo). His grandchildren: Cooper Locke, Heidi Locke, Jack Locke, Ty Ponzo, Anna Ponzo, and Kate Ponzo. His nieces and nephews: Lynda Farlinger (nee Arrigo), Ken Ponzo, Christin Shmanka (nee Ponzo), Danny Arrigo, Joe Arrigo, Jodie Arrigo, Cindy Ponzo and Sandra Murray (nee Ponzo).

After receiving his BSc in Engineering Physics at University of Toronto in 1957, he became a lecturer for the summer at what is now University of Wilfrid Laurier in Waterloo.  He then obtained his MA in Mathematics at U of T.

In 1960, after marrying Heidi, he worked on his PhD in Electrical Engineering at the University of Illinois.  In 1964, he returned to University of Waterloo as an Assistant professor.  Subsequently he became chairman of Applied Math when Mathematics became a Faculty in 1968.

Later he became Associate Dean of the Math Faculty.  During his tenure he continued writing papers with Professor Nelson Wax, who had been his PhD supervisor at the University of Illinois.  After 30 years teaching his beloved students, he retired with distinction as Professor Emeritus.

Peter will be remembered by all as a person of many talents, much wisdom, and so much love he gave to others. We will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to contribute to the “PETER PONZO MEMORIAL FUND” at the University of Waterloo,  please contact our niece, Sharon Janics at  sjanics@gmail.com, and she will provide you with a link and instructions.

Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237. Please visit Peter's obituary notice on Facebook.

Peter Ponzo Memorial Fund:
https://waterloo-sec.imodules.com/s/1802/17/giving-form.aspx?sid=1802&gid=2&pgid=708&cid=1692 
11 Comments
Lori Gibbs
7/8/2020 04:48:24 pm

My dearest Dad,
Life will never be the same without you.
I will miss everything about you and being able to give you a hug and kiss. I hope you are resting in your perfect place now.
Till we meet again.
Your biggest admirer
Lori

Reply
Dan Porter
7/9/2020 12:31:36 am

I was greatly saddened when Lori informed me of her father's passing. I only met Peter once, but in that time I was privileged to spend a week with Peter; what a wonderful week that was. In that short time Peter made such an impression on me that from then on I would never forget him. I had always hoped that we would meet again some day, whether it be another trip somewhere or some other occasion, alas that was not to happen. It may be too late for that now Peter, but maybe I will see you again in another place one day; I hope. In closing, I want to share a memory I have of Peter from that week in Mexico; I will never forget the time when Peter put on his wife's, Heidi, flowery hat moments before a picture. It was raining and we were all taking cover from it. The moment made me laugh so hard, and everyone else followed suite. Peter was probably one of the funniest and kind hearted people I have ever had the good fortune to meet, I will miss him very much. It is sad when someone good is taken from this world, but I know he is in a good place. Goodbye Peter, I already miss you.

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Joe and Lisa Arrigo
7/9/2020 08:57:54 am

As Joe always said, his Uncle Peter was a mountain of a man, always had a kind word and the biggest smile. His laugh was infectious and had the best stories. Rest In Peace sweet Uncle Peter xoxo You will be missed by
So may...💔💔🙏🏻🙏🏻

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Christin Shmanka
7/9/2020 10:10:09 am

A very sad day for our family.
I will continue to hold Peter dear in our hearts and remember fondly his quickness to laugh, his clever wit, his generosity of spirit, his artistic genius and his way with words.
So many wonderful memories.
Out of pain now and reunited with loved ones that have passed before.
All our love dear Uncle Peter.
Christine Shmanka/Tina Ponzo xoxoxo

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Claudette (Peats) Ramson
7/9/2020 10:11:03 am

Debbie I never had the privilege of meeting your dad but knowing the kind and humorous soul that I know you to be, I know those traits are from your dad too my heart is sad and heavy for all of the family especially after losing my dad in May of this year.Prayers and hugs to each of you and may all the beautiful memories of your dad fill your hearts each day...may he rest in eternal peace and comfort

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Alex Li
7/9/2020 01:56:33 pm

Our family is deeply saddened by this news. Peter and Heidi have made some of my most cherished childhood memories. From teaching me and my brothers how to play chess to picking eggs from local farmers. Thank you for everything you've done and your everlasting love.

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Danny Arrigo
7/9/2020 02:20:11 pm

I’ve known Peter all my life. Peter is my great-uncle, although he and my father, Sal Arrigo, grew up almost as brothers. I have such fond memories of him. I remember a time when the Arrigo and Ponzo kids would gather around him and he would draw pictures and we would try and guess the object.
I also knew him as a teacher. I was fortunate to take several classes from him at Waterloo. He had this uncanny ability to explain complex ideas so simply. I remember asking myself “what makes him so good at what he does.”
Finally, I knew him as a mentor and a source of inspiration. My family and friends know me as Danny but my students know me as Dr. Arrigo. I am an award-winning teacher, an author of numerous research papers and three books, and a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Central Arkansas.
Uncle Peter, my love and thanks, Danny.

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Veronica Callaghan.
7/9/2020 04:33:30 pm

An extraordinary life. A well deserved rest.
I remember a down to earth and friendly human being.
I will miss that great wit.
I grieve with Heidi and family, but happy to have been part of it.
God Bless you Peter.
Rest in peace.

Reply
Norman Li
7/9/2020 09:02:19 pm

It is very sad for me as well as my sons who had a lot of fond memories of Peter.
Peter and Heidi were just like the parents to Betty and I in this far away land of Canada in the 80’s. We used to spend many happy weekends with Kevin, Gary, Debbie and Lori. We were like brothers and sisters.
My family had lived through a lot of ups and downs. We wholeheartedly appreciated Peter’s kind but logical advice. Sometimes I wish I could still stay closer to Peter and Heidi. Throughout my life, Peter and his family is the kindest and most welcoming family I ever met.
Please accept my condolences.

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Peggy Arrigo
7/10/2020 03:39:38 pm

I fell in love with Peter before I ever met him, simply through Danny's stories about him - just the way Danny talked about him. I knew all of that was well-placed the day of Peter's sister's memorial service. He was in pain yet managed to enthrall the rest of us with his comments about Joanne and his wit under trying circumstances. He's a mensch! Our world is poorer for his absence from it.

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Julie (Weiler) Martin
7/14/2020 08:55:54 am

Debbie - I am very sorry for your loss. I remember your Dad as welcoming and kind and I treasure the memories of time spent with you and your family. My deepest condolences to you all. Take good care.

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