Joseph Pantozzi

Joseph Lincoln Pantozzi, 95 yrs, 3 months, 4 days. The third child of Italian immigrants Vincent and Teresa (Iacovelli) Pantozzi, who predeceased him, was born February 12, 1928, in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Hence his middle name!) He attended PS 11 Grammar and Dickinson High schools, Jersey City, having performed much rigorous "boot camp" training in his high school gym class. Joe (Dad/Papa Joe, Uncle Joe, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, best neighbor, loyal friend) lived a life so full of love, humor, devotion, wisdom, strength, kindness, truthfulness, laughter, music etc. that those traits exuded into everyone around him and throughout his life. Having received an Honorable Discharge in 1947 from the U. S. Army as Corporal Pantozzi, receiving the WWII Victory Medal, Joe continued his "service " to others in many different ways. Despite his 70+ years with a macular degeneration impairment, Joe lived his life the best way he knew how…with tenacity and strength! He was a much self-motivated gentleman. From being the (best) bartender for his Dad's Bar and Grill, the Hilltop, in Jersey City (and still remembering several customers and what they ordered, from way back!), to carpenter/builder, folk art wood carver, gardener, business owner, dancer, singer (most unprofessionally yet with a whole heart!), Joe was continually "moving" and doing something, including exercising nearly until his final days. Anyone who knew him was treated with the same respect and love that he did his family. You had a friend for life if Joe was in yours! At the age of 90, Joe relocated to El Paso TX, after having lived in NJ and PA for many years. He had vivid memories of being at Ft. Bliss as a temporarily assigned Military Policeman back in the 40's. He never forgot "those beautiful mountains" and became enthused and fell in love, again, with the wide-open spaces. He left this life to be with his Lord and Savior, peacefully and as the gentleman he was, in the early morning on May 16, 2023, in El Paso, TX. He was predeceased in 1975 by Sally Ann (Dragonette) Pantozzi, his wife, and mother of his children, of 23 years. In 2012, Isabel (Hunter) Pantozzi, his 2nd wife of 32 years. His only son Joseph Vincent Pantozzi (2020). Also, his sisters Marie (Chiara), Christine (Hodnett) and brother Salvatore E. Grandsons Joseph E. Pantozzi and Mitchel V. Pantozzi. Left to grieve his very long and impactful life are his daughters, Teresa (Joseph) Janssen, Peggy Robertson, Diane (David) Black. Grandchildren, Stacey (Jake) Leaskey, Todd (Liza) Janssen, Claire E. Robertson, Michael J. Robertson, Tabitha and Fred Pantozzi, and three great grandchildren, Charlotte and Lucy Leaskey and Beau Janssen. Brothers, Vincent, George, and Ralph Pantozzi also survive him, along with many beloved, nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, July 6, 3 pm. at TruChurch, 7370 Remcon Circle, El Paso, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating either to the Commission for the Blind or the Library of Congress. Both institutions were extremely present and helpful to Joe for many years.