Ulysses J. “Lease” Ponzani, 82


Youngstown – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at St. Luke Church in Boardman with Rev. Joseph Fata celebrating for Ulysses J. “Lease” Ponzani, 82, who passed away Thursday, January 22, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. Lease was born February 19, 1932, in Youngstown, the son of Emilio and Rose (Spano) Ponzani. He courageously served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He worked for R.M.I. for 38 years. Lease was a member of St. Luke Church and its Holy Name Society where he was a past officer. He was also an usher at the church. Lease was very sports minded and loved to play pool, baseball and was an avid golfer playing in many leagues in the area. He had three holes-in-one over the years. He also enjoyed going to casinos, but most of all his life centered around his wife and family. Lease will always be lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, the former Grace “Dolly” Russo whom he married on July 9, 1955; two daughters, Lisa (David) Fiffick of Columbus and Carolyn (John) Italiano of Canfield; four grandchildren, Kaitlin and Shawn Fiffick and Alyssa and Jordan Italiano; and two sisters, Mary Jane Garey and Virginia Summers, both of Maryland. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Nellie Bragalia and Amelia Kilgore and three brothers, Anzano, Armando and Ben Ponzani. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, January 26 at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman and again on Tuesday, January 27 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke Church prior to the Mass. The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Maged Awadalla, Dr. David Hoffman, Dr. Chris Knight and everyone at the Hope Center for the kind and compassionate care shown to Lease. Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Lease’s family.

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