BRO. PETER A. PONTOLILLO, S.M. died in the service of the Blessed Virgin Mary on April 12, 2022 at the age of 83 and with 64 years of vowed life. He was born in Rockville Center, NY on March 20, 1939, the son of Salvatore and Philomena (Fensore) Pontolillo.

Bro. Peter first met the Marianists at Chaminade High School on Long Island, NY. He made his First Vows on September 5, 1957, at Marcy, NY and pronounced his Perpetual Vows on August 21, 1965, at Mt. St. John in Dayton, OH.

He studied at the University of Dayton in Dayton, OH where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education (1960). In 1967 he completed his Master's Degree in Spanish and received an honorary PhD in Philosophy from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX (1996).

Having grown up in a close-knit Italian family with two other brothers and a sister (all deceased), he was attracted to the Marianists because of their strong Mary-style family Spirit. Following his studies, he began teaching in Cleveland, OH at Cathedral Latin H.S. in 1959 and later at his old alma mater Chaminade H.S. on Long Island, until 1966. That same year he became principal of Most Holy Trinity H.S. in Brooklyn, NY for 6 years.

In 1972 He became the founding Executive Director of the Catholic Schools Administrators Association for the State of New York and served for 4 years. He also served as Executive Secretary of the New York State Catholic H.S. Athletic Association.

Beginning in 1976 he was asked to serve as principal of Colegio San Jose in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. After 10 years as principal, he was invited by the Archbishop of San Antonio to become the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of San Antonio and the Diocese of Victoria, TX, a position he held until June 1996.

In October 1996, Bro. Peter was appointed to an initial five-year term as Secretary General of the Society of Mary. In 2001 has was reappointed for an additional five-year term.  From 2009 until 2012 he served as President of Central Catholic H.S. in San Antonio, TX.

In 2012 he moved to Hollywood, FL to serve in many capacities at Chaminade-Madonna H.S.  Beginning in 2020 he moved back to San Antonio, TX and became a resident at the Marianist Residence until his passing on April 12.

He is survived by nieces and nephews (Diane Pontolillo, Lisa Martellucci, Joseph, Robert and Thomas Alberts) and godson Ferdinand (Shelda) Martinez.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Thursday, April 21, 2022

Private Viewing and Rosary (for Marianists and family) at the Marianist Residence Chapel.

Friday, April 22, 2022

9:00 AM Public Viewing followed by 10:00 AM Mass at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Burial will be in Long Island, NY at a later date.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, no reception will be held.

Thank you for wearing your face mask.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Bro. Peter's name to the

Marianist Mission

Mt. St. John, 4435 East Patterson Road, Dayton, OH 45430-1033

For those unable to attend services, you are welcome to sign the online guestbook.