Peter Joseph "Pete" Pontorno Sr.

Peter Joseph “Pete” Pontorno Sr., age 90, of Hughesville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Calvert Health Center in Prince Frederick, Maryland, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 19, 1936, Pete was the son of the late Anthony Francis Pontorno and Columbia D. Pontorno. He attended St. Theresa’s School in Anacostia, where he met the love of his life, Joanne “Jo” Pontorno. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, music, and a deep devotion to family. Pete worked for many years as a Gradall Operator with Delta Rental Company in Washington, D.C. His passion for his work never faded—so much so that even after retirement, he eagerly took every opportunity he could to operate a Gradall. Eventually settling in Maryland, Pete and Jo created a home filled with love and laughter. They celebrated an extraordinary seventy-two years of marriage in September, a testament to their enduring bond and unwavering commitment to one another. Known affectionately as “PopPop” to his extended family, Pete was a guiding light to all who knew him. He found his greatest joy when surrounded by loved ones, often singing, dancing, and spreading his contagious happiness. He believed life was meant to be celebrated, and he never missed a chance to yodel for his grandchildren. Pete enjoyed swimming, exercising, fishing, working in his yard, and helping others whenever he could. He was also a devoted fan of Washington Redskins football and Maryland Terrapins basketball. Pete is survived by his devoted wife, Jo Pontorno and seven of his eight children: Anthony Pontorno (Joe Purdy), the late Mark (Deborah) Pontorno, Debbie (Jimmy) Baucom, Jimmy (Mary) Pontorno, Pete Pontorno Jr., Paul (Renée) Pontorno, Tina (John) Donaldson, and Chris (Michelle) Pontorno. He leaves behind the legacy of nineteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved son, Mark Steven Pontorno; and his brother, Gervasio “Jim” Pontorno. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 2 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM, with prayers at 7 PM, at Raymond Funeral Service, P.A., 5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, Maryland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 13715 Notre Dame Place, Bryantown, Maryland. Pallbearers will be David Proctor, Brandon Baucom, Vincent Pontorno, Nicholas Pontorno, Dominic Pontorno, Andrew Pontorno, Matt Weaver, Josh Pontorno, and Jacob Pontorno. A private interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CJD Foundation 3634 W. Market St., Suite 110, Akron, OH 44333 or online at https://cjdfoundation.org/ or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at https://www.stjude.org/donate. Donate by Phone: +1-800-805-5856.

Peter Joseph "Pete" Pontorno Sr.

March 19, 1936 - March 31, 2026