Joe Ralph Ponticelli

Joe Ralph Ponticelli Devoted husband, father, proud Papa and friend to all for 94 years, and long time resident of Northeast Detroit and Shelby Township, passed away on October 10, 2022. Joe was a true family patriarch and ‘Pride of the Ponticelli’s’, and greeted each day with unmatched spirit, energy and optimism. Born June 14, 1928 to Guiseppe and Olimpia Ponticelli in Coalgate, Oklahoma. His parents were first generation Italian immigrants. Guiseppe worked in the mines of Coal County while Olimpia rolled out pasta, made bread and sausage, and canned vegetables. After graduating from high school, Joe had the good sense to leave Oklahoma embarking on a life truly well lived with lifetime landmarks including military service with both US Air Force (enlisted) and US Army (drafted, Korean War), relocating to Detroit (where he met Rita at the Babalu Club and married her following an eight month courtship), a nearly thirty year career as a City of Detroit police officer (rising to the rank of Sergeant) and long standing membership and officer positions with several organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, US Fifth Air Force Nagoya/Komacki Air Base Association, 2019 Honor Flight honoree, Detroit Lieutenants and Sergeants Association and East Siders Club of Detroit. But Joe’s primary focus was all things family. He liked nothing more than catching up with what his grandchildren were doing, and was always on the look out for opportunities to share their many accomplishments. Joe’s favorite entry point to most conversations was ‘Hey…let me tell you about my grandchildren.’ Joe made friends easily due to his always present smile and easy manner. Joe was soft spoken, big hearted, loving, gentle, kind, and caring, and those traits influenced all those around him. Joe was an early riser, believed in the power of hard work, and despised short cuts. He enjoyed story telling (particularly sharing stories about his Oklahoma childhood and Japan service time), was fitness committed far before it mainstreamed, had an uncanny ability to cite specific dates and numbers from his many military and public safety experiences, and was handy and took special pride in proper use of a hammer and paint brush. While Joe truly cherished family, he also enjoyed country music, Lake Michigan beach vacations with the grandkids, all Italian food (which he referenced with an accentuated Italian flair), family holiday celebrations (especially Thanksgiving), his surprise 90th birthday party in June 2018, the 2010 Italy vacation (which included a visit to his parents birth places – Fellicarolo and Fanano near Modena), reminiscing with retiree friends, early morning workouts, an occasional super chilled beer in August, Tiger baseball and virtually any ice cream or pie variety. Although no one can remember the reason why, Joe also enjoyed eating a half banana each morning. Joe was a consummate ‘family guy’ and was the beloved husband of Rita (Macomb, MI) for 66 years; adored father of Kevin (Maribeth December; Northbrook, IL) and Pamela (Mark Raska; Washington, MI); proud grandfather of Michele (Arnaud Courregelongue; San Francisco, CA), Jessica (Will Dodge; Wilmette, IL), Derek (Julianne Giles-Raska; Las Vegas, NV), Tyler (Seattle, WA), and Trevor (New York, NY) (note, every single one of them was his favorite!) and great grandfather to Jack and Greyson. Joe cherished his family, lifelong friendships…and was the best father ever! We all will miss him more than words can express…but know that he will live with us each day, forever. Until we see you again Papa! Joe will be interred at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly MI, with full military honors. A family and friends Celebration of Life in Joe’s honor will be held in November; lunch will follow a brief tribute ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of Michigan would be appreciated.

Joe Ralph Ponticelli

June 14, 1928 - October 11, 2022