Christine Anne Ponzillo

Christine A. Ponzillo passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023, after a brief, but spirited battle with glioblastoma. Though cancer succeeded in taking a heavy toll during her final days, it failed to alter the ultimate account of her life: one in which she laughed often, earned the respect of others and won the lasting affection of those she loved.

Christine was welcomed into the world by her parents Leonard Anthony and Mary Julia (Casey) Desmond on September 14, 1951. The third of five children, she grew up in the small city of Mechanicville, New York with her older siblings Len and Mary Lou, as well as her younger brothers Mike and Joe.

In high school, she met the love of her life: Stephen Patrick Ponzillo, Jr. They wed in August 1971 and were married for an astounding 52 years. They spent 45 of those years building a life together in their hometown, before moving to Florida’s Tampa Bay region in 2016 to be closer to their two adult children—Stephen Patrick and Samantha Lynne—as well as their beloved granddaughter, Caroline Elizabeth.

After starting a family, Christine felt driven to succeed in her career and serve as a role model for both of her children. She worked her way up from part-time teller to become a seasoned banking professional and highly respected branch manager at several financial institutions before retiring from TD Bank in 2015. She will be long-remembered by those with whom she worked as a tenacious problem-solver, a skilled leader and a fierce ally.

But without question, she succeeded most spectacularly in the role her brother Len frequently told her she had been born to play: grandmother. As Nana to Caroline, she poured her very heart and soul into each moment they shared together—often serving often as Caroline’s caregiver, teacher, financial advisor, personal shopper, chauffeur, troop meeting volunteer, karaoke singing partner—and her constant ‘partner-in-crime.’

A voracious reader and life-long learner as well, “Chris” (the only nickname she tolerated) always loved a good story, great writing and liberally shared one or both within her close circle of family and friends, as well as during frequent trips to her local library’s circulation desk.

She will be profoundly missed by her husband, her children, her granddaughter and all those whose lives she touched in large ways and small. A memorial service for Christine will be held Sunday, January 7, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Blount and Curry Funeral Home Oldsmar West Hillsborough Chapel, 6802 SILVERMILL DR, TAMPA, FL 33635, followed by eulogies from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, this can be joined online at: https://www.youtube.com/live/BrCTXixI2PI. All are welcome.

You can view Christine's tribute video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqcTBcT452s

In lieu of flowers, please make a gift in Chris’ memory to Suncoast Hospice Foundation in Clearwater, Florida (who cared for her in her final days) or to Friends of the Oldsmar Public Library, St. Pete Pride, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida or the charitable organization of your choice.