Paul R. Pontillo

Mr. Paul R. Pontillo, 94, of Meadville, passed away Friday, October 30, 2020 at Wesbury United Methodist Community.

Paul was born in Bridgeport, CN on July 5, 1926, the son of the late Salvatore "Sam" and Angelina (Monteforte) Pontillo.

On August 2, 1946 Paul married Helga I. Landmann; she preceded him in death on September 9, 2014.

Paul was an active member of St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church where he had served on the first parish council and the finance committe. Until very recently, he served as an usher, funeral altar server and eucharistic minister.

Paul retired from the former Avtex Fibers Corp., formerly known as American Viscose and FMC after 43 years of service. He started his career as a tinsmith, later worked in a supervisory capacity and as the business agent of Local 8 Textile Workers Union of America. Pioneering the start of the Credit Union, where for many years Paul served as treasurer, he also served on the board of directors, and as manager and CEO. Paul presently served on the supervisory committee, building committee and had been instrumental in helping form other credit unions. The former credit union building located at 300 Arch Street, Meadville, had been named the "Pontillo Building" honoring his long time service.

A veteran of the US Army, WW II, Paul served his country as a member of the 20th Armored Infantry Battalion of the 10th Armored Division. During his military career Paul was awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Central Europe Campaign with two Battle Stars, Occupation Medal, European Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on July 12, 1946

An active member of the Meadville area, Paul was a charter member of the board of directors for the Northwest Pennsylvania Weatherization Program, a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus where he was a 4th Degree and had been the director of Youth Activities where he was involved with the teenage dances in the 1960's and 1970's. A lifetime member of the Italian Civic Club, he was a past president and served many years as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. A lifetime member of VFW Post #2006, Paul was also a member of American Legion Post #111, a charter member of Meadville Wolves Club Den XI where he held the office of treasurer for many years and served on the scholarship committee. He was a longtime member of the Venango Valley Golf Club and was a volunteer for the Veterans Administration Local Clinic, Meadville.

Paul is survived by three daughters Angela Fraser of Meadville, Helen Beier of Meadville, Dianne Mattlin (Joe) of Hampstead, NC, a son Samuel Pontillo (Linda) of Orlando, FL; seven grandchildren Eric Fraser (Rachel) of Carmichaels, Kathleen Carr (Rob) of Apex, NC, Sean Kelley of Lakewood, FL, Daniel Mattlin (Amy) of Hampstead, NC, Julie Lovelace (David) of Newton Falls, OH, Nicholas Pontillo (Nicole) of Kansas, Angela Pontillo of Orlando, FL; eight great grandchildren Dalton and Morgan Fraser, Kayla, Kelley and Connor Carr, Austin and Ryan Pontillo, Peyton and Leila Mattlin. Paul is also survived by many friends who enriched his life including Jane Daddio Owen of Erie, Anthony Daddio and his wife Marlene, David Monteforte, David Kennedy and his wife Patricia and their three sons all of Meadville, several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Helga, of 68 years, Paul was preceded in death by a sister Helen Meyers; a brother Joseph Pontillo; grandson Joseph Mattlin; and a son in law Bob Beier.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 from 2-6 PM at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE, where a scripture service will be HELD at 5:30 PM. CDC guidelines will be followed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Wednesday at St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church, 1085 Water St., Meadville, with Fr. Jeff Lucas, Pastor, officiating.

Paul will be laid to rest with his wife Helga, in St. Brigid Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Paul's memory to St. Mary of Grace, C/O Catholic Community of Meadville, 353 Pine Street, Meadville, PA 16335.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com