Rose Ponzio

Rose Mary Ponzio, 102, of Bryan, Texas passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025. Rose was born on November 21,1922 to Dominic and Rose Restivo. She attended St. Joseph Catholic School and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School.

After graduation, she moved to San Antonio for work and eventually returned to Bryan. Rose met Paul Ponzio at a relative’s wedding after World War II. They were married on September 21, 1947, and enjoyed 75 years together. Rose and Paul had five children: Bernie, Geralyn, Gary Paul, Raymond, and David.

Rose and Paul operated Paul’s Drive Inn for 15 years, and after that, Rose cared for children at their home. She had a deep love for children. Rose and Paul were also active in the Jolly Corks ballroom dance club, and she once won a jitterbug contest with her brother-in-law Mike Lampo. She was also a lifetime member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents Dominic and Rose Restivo, sisters Concetta Santana and Lucille Beger; parents-in-laws Ben and Mary Ponzio; brothers-in-law Sam Santana, Gene Beger, Pat, Luke, Sam, Joe, Louis, and Johnny Ponzio; sisters-in-law Angie, Charlotte, Laura, and Jessie Lee Ponzio; and son Gary Paul.

She is survived by her four children: daughter Bernie Ponzio, daughter and son-in-law Geralyn and Howard West, son and daughter-in-law Raymond and Melinda Ponzio, and David Ponzio; granddaughter and grandson-in-law Chelsi and Danny Bass; step-grandsons Brian, John, and Skylar Perez; great-grandchildren Harper and Weston Bass; sisters-in-law Sally Lampo, Betty, and Diana Ponzio; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to send their heartfelt thanks for the compassionate care Rose received from both Enhabit Hospice and The Magnolia House over the last eight months, as well as their deepest gratitude to Alisa for the care and companionship she provided both Rose and Paul for more than three years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, January 27 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm with a rosary at 7:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.