Carmen F. Pontello

Carmen F. Pontello Sr., 74, of Camillus, formerly of Elbridge, passed away Thursday October 11, 2012 at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center. Born and raised in Solvay, he lived in Elbridge before moving to Camillus in 2012. Carmen was a graduate of Vocational High School and employed with Allied Chemical, Camperlino & Fatti Builders, Baron Homes and the Hayner Hoyt Corp. He was a communicant of Holy Family Church. An avid Yankee fan, he was scouted by the Brooklyn Dodgers as a young baseball player and coached Babe Ruth Baseball. Carmen was an Oswego speedway race car attendee. In the ’50s, he built a 1953 Ford classic convertible from the frame up, which was published in The Speed and Custom Magazine, 1962 Edition. He and his brother Ed won over 200 trophies showing their cars nationally. He was a master craftsman, a perfectionist, some say. He loved cooking, spending time with family and friends and loved roasting corn on his open fire pit. Carmen was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Desileana Pontello; and brothers, James, Nicholas, Anthony, Angelo, Patrick and Joseph. Surviving are his wife of 53 years, the former Helen Grounder; son and daughter-in-law, Carmen and Kim Pontello Jr. of Camillus; daughters and sons-in-law, Terri and Steven Gates of Westvale, and Christine and Roger Hill, and Mary and Loren Barrigar, all of Elbridge; sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Joseph Macro of Camillus; brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Joan Pontello of Camillus and Edward and Barbara Pontello of Solvay; grandchildren, Sharon, Morgan, Brittney, Michael, Cara, Nina, Mackenzi, Carmen A., James, Mason, L.J., Deacon, Ricky, and Jack; great-grandchildren, Bryce, Brooke and Hayden; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved pet, Abby. Relatives and friends may call Monday, October 15 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. Services will be Tuesday, October 16 at 11:15 a.m. at the funeral home and noon in Holy Family Church where a funeral Mass will be celebrated. Carmen will be laid to rest in St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Syracuse. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the CNY SPCA, 5878 E. Molloy Rd., Mattydale, NY 13211.