Louise Antoinette (Verde) Pontillo

Louise Antoinette Verde Pontillo - beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend - passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the age of 77. Known to many as “Weezie” and most dearly as “Grammy,” Louise died at the Hospice Care Center at Delray Medical Center, surrounded by the love of her family after years of courageously battling chronic health issues.

Born on October 17, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, Louise was the daughter of Silvestro “Jack” Verde and Rose Manzo Verde, immigrants from the small Italian island of Ventotene. Italian was her first language, spoken at home until she began school. A few years later, her sister, Annette, was born and together they shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and playful teasing that would grow into a lifelong best friendship. Family and faith were the center of their world, with countless gatherings in the family basement and annual celebrations of the Feast of Saint Candida (Patron Saint of Ventotene), traditions Louise cherished and passed down through generations.

Louise graduated from New Utrecht High School and attended Brooklyn College before beginning her career in New York. Independent and determined, she embodied the American Dream - always working hard to create a better life for herself and those she loved.

Her life was forever changed when she met the love of her life, Gaetano “Guy” Pontillo.  In 1969, as New York City celebrated the Mets’ World Series victory, Guy and Louise celebrated their engagement. They were married on May 3, 1970, at the now Basilica of Regina Pacis in Brooklyn, beginning a marriage filled with faith, laughter, travel, family, and friends. It was then when her family grew to include a sister-in-law and brother-in-law along with a nephew and two nieces whom she adored. After seven beautiful years together, they were blessed with the arrival of their son, Michael Jude. He was their pride and joy, the center of their lives. Louise truly lived and breathed for Michael. She and Guy were so proud of all his accomplishments during each stage of his life. Most importantly, they ensured they did everything possible to better his life and instill in him the same love of family and God along with the Italian traditions of their ancestors that meant so much to them.

Louise poured herself into family life, their Brooklyn parish of St. Dominic’s, and Michael’s school – St. Mary Mother of Jesus, where she volunteered tirelessly. She served as President of the Rosary Society, sat on the Parish Council, read as a lector at Mass, and devoted her time to her community.

Her home was always filled with warmth – overflowing with people and an abundance of food prepared with love by Louise and Guy whether for block parties or holiday gatherings. Most important were Sundays which always included Mass and “sauce!”  (And there it is - the age-old question has been answered. According to Louise, it is sauce!)

In 1990, the family moved to Boca Raton, Florida, where Louise and Guy built a new life full of deep friendships intertwined with old traditions. She became active in St. Jude’s parish, serving as a founding member of the Columbiettes and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Her love of hosting continued, and her card games, bunco games, holiday meals, most notably her Christmas gatherings grew to include a wide circle of friends who became family. Louise was especially overjoyed when Michael’s friends would come to the house and entrench themselves into her family. Some things never seemed to change – faith, tradition, food and those she loved. Louise and Guy’s family also expanded during this time to include their fur-baby, Jackie. Jackie was adored and brought even more unconditional love to the family. She was small but enjoyed their Italian cuisine as much as anyone else.

Life brought both joy and heartbreak. Michael began dating Annemarie and both Louise and Guy instantly welcomed her into their family. Guy’s health began to decline, however, and in 1996, he passed away, leaving Louise a widow at just 48 years old. She carried on with strength and faith, supported by her son, family, and community. Louise was filled with love and hope when Michael and Annemarie married in 2003.

Her deepest joy, however, came with the birth of her three grandchildren: Gaetano Frank “Nino,” Gianna Rose, and Gabriella Louise. “Grammy” was the role she cherished most. To her, Nino was her “cuore” (heart), Gianna her “diamond,” and Gabriella her “guardian angel” and sometimes “peanut butter”. Their bond was unshakable, rooted in unconditional love. Grammy knew every detail of their lives, shared late-night talks, and gave them a model of faith, resilience, and love that will guide them forever. Louise was not only blessed to have their genuine love, but they were also dedicated to her care and comfort, like few have ever seen. With them and other friends she was always eager to play cards or board games, especially Monopoly and Scrabble. Like years before, nothing made her happier than to have her house filled with Nino, Gianna, and Gabriella’s friends.

Louise lived with courage, embracing unexpected moves to Utah and Maryland with her family before returning to Florida. Everywhere she went, she left a mark of kindness, connection, and care with those she met. When she returned to Florida, she found her new home at St. Vincent Ferrer Church surrounded by the immense love and support of many.

To many others, she was a regular phone call, text, Facebook comment, or Words With Friends move away. No day would be complete without checking in with her sister, Annette, and brother-in-law, John. Most important on the agenda was which of them was going to which doctor along with a swap of information on what the weather was like that day. She was always interested in the daily happenings of her nieces and all of her great-nieces and great-nephews. The genuine love she shared with the young and old alike was astonishing. She truly found a connection with everyone she met. Louise cherished her times with friends and family who would graciously bring her out for lunch or better yet, the casino. She loved them all and their time together.

In recent years, Louise faced countless health challenges, rebounding again and again with astonishing strength. Her faith never wavered. She often said, “God will take care of me,” and she truly lived that trust, modeling Christ in her suffering and her grace. Her strength, courage and unwavering faith inspired everyone who knew her, especially her grandchildren. She prayed deeply each day and was devoted to many Saints including the Blessed Mother, St. Jude, St. Therese, St. Michael, and especially St. Titus Brandsma, asking for their intercession on her behalf. Her caretakers and doctors were not just professionals to her, but blessings and friends, extending her life through compassion and love.

In the end, she grew tired and chose peace. In her final days, she openly shared her readiness to go home to her Savior. Surrounded by her family, she expressed her love, gave her parting words, and received theirs in return. It was truly a sacred gift from God.

As her beloved Andrea Bocelli sang, “Con Te Partirò” – it is time to say goodbye. Louise has journeyed on, carrying with her all the love she gave and received until we meet again in paradise.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Annemarie Pontillo; her grandchildren, Gaetano Frank “Nino,” Gianna Rose, and Gabriella Louise Pontillo; her sister and brother-in-law, Annette and John Plasmati; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lina and Albert Mosiello; her many nieces and nephews, Jennifer and Vito Pischettola, Susan and Paul Sarcona, Enrico Mosiello, Sabrina and Maurizio Mosiello, Patricia and Hayden Wrobel; great-nieces and great-nephews, Matthew Pischettola, Paul Sarcona, Christian Sarcona, Olivia Sarcona, Anthony Mosiello, Austin Mosiello, Sofia Mosiello, Myah Wrobel, Sarah Wrobel, and Jaykob Wrobel; her expansive family including countless cousins and friends. She is predeceased by her husband, Guy; her parents, Rose and Silvestro J. Verde; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Nancy and Michael Pontillo; and many beloved relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held at Glick Family Funeral Home, 3600 N. Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33431, on Friday, August 22, from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service and Eulogies at 6:30 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon on Saturday, August 23, at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 840 George Bush Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33483.

The Funeral Mass will be live streamed and recorded on St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church’s YouTube Page (@st.vincentferrercatholicch2049). Visit http://youtube.com/@st.vincentferrercatholicch2049 and select “Live”.

Interment will follow at Boca Raton Cemetery & Mausoleum, 451 SW 4th Ave, Boca Raton, FL 33432.

Flowers are welcome or donations may be made in memory of Louise Pontillo to these charities which were dear to her heart or to a charity of your choice:

- St. Vincent Ferrer Church – Capital Campaign

http://stvincentferrer.com
(561) 276-6892
840 George Bush Boulevard
Delray Beach, FL 33483

- St. John Paul II Academy – Capital Campaign

http://sjpii.net/give
(561) 314-2100
4001 N. Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33431

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.