Aurelio Pontarelli

December 29, 1947 - April 12, 2024

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visitation

Egizi Funeral Home

119 Ganttown Road

Turnersville, NJ 08012

(856) 227-9500 |

Saturday 6/1, 9:30 am - 11:00 am

service

Egizi Funeral Home

119 Ganttown Road

Turnersville, NJ 08012

(856) 227-9500 |

Saturday 6/1, 11:00 am

Aurelio Pontarelli, Mr. Pont to his students, Magic Pont to his fellow magicians, or just Pont to his friends.

On April 12, 2024 of Sicklerville. Age 76. Beloved husband of Mary (nee Sontag). Devoted father of Emily Pontarelli and Aurelia Pontarelli. Loving uncle of Kevin Mulhearn (Rachel Snow).

Aurelio lived a long life dedicated to public service and helping others. This started at a young age when he contracted polio and became the March of Dimes poster child to spread awareness and information about the disease.

Despite his disabilities from polio, he knew he wanted to do something people told him wasn’t possible, teach in a classroom. Aurelio enrolled in Villanova University and graduated with a degree in teaching in 1969. At Villanova, he was a proud member of the Villanova Singers where he met some of his life-long friends.

After graduating from Villanova, he started his teaching career at Thomas Jr. High in South Philadelphia where he sponsored the drama and photography clubs. After over 10 years, Aurelio moved on to teach English at South Philadelphia High School where he remained for the rest of his teaching career spanning over 30 years. At South Philadelphia High School, he started and led the Gold Key and Community Service Clubs for his students, while also sponsoring other student activities.

A big part of Aurelio’s life was the community he found in magic. He was a member of The International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) Ring 6 for 35 years, where he had the opportunity to serve as president and vice president for several years.

Other achievements that Aurelio had in his life include: raising thousands of dollars for Parkinson’s Disease research by organizing magic shows for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, writing a book about his life and career in teaching called “Don’t Say I Can’t”, and winning awards in teaching (Philadelphia Public School Retired Employees Association Rose Lindenbaum Award) and magic (close-up comedy award at the Magicians’ Alliance of Eastern States convention).

Family and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Saturday June 1^st, 2024, 9:30 – 11:00 AM at the Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Rd., Washington Twp., with a Broken Wand Ceremony to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Aurelio’s memory may be made to Samaritan Hospice.

“The world can never have enough love, music, and magic” – Aurelio Pontarelli

Egizi Funeral Home

Rakeim 'Rock/Rakim' Young (SPHS 1989-1990)

Terri petrie

Ann Margaret Chapman

Todd Avellar

Sylvia Chandler

Michael cohen

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Egizi Funeral Home

119 Ganttown Road

Turnersville, NJ 08012

(856) 227-9500 | Map

Saturday 6/1, 9:30 am - 11:00 am

Egizi Funeral Home

119 Ganttown Road

Turnersville, NJ 08012

(856) 227-9500 | Map

Saturday 6/1, 11:00 am

Aurelio Pontarelli, Mr. Pont to his students, Magic Pont to his fellow magicians, or just Pont to his friends. On April 12, 2024 of Sicklerville. Age 76. Beloved husband of Mary (nee Sontag). Devoted father of Emily Pontarelli and Aurelia Pontarelli. Loving uncle of Kevin Mulhearn (Rachel Snow). Aurelio lived a long life dedicated toContinue Reading

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I'll never forget you Pont. I've referenced you, your teachings, your magic for countless years since we last saw each other (1993ish). You taught me a love for magic and the magicians code (which is shamelessly being ignored all over social media)! Every time I perform the cut/rope illusion you taught me, or use slight of hand - I think of you. More important than any of that, you taught me humility, and at a great age to learn that lesson. I won't go into the details here, but you know what I'm talking about. Let's just say I was a smart-ass Senior class student and he worked that right out. For a guy with polio and crutches, who you think might be meek, Pont was not. He was so strong and so opposite. He commanded the room when teaching, he earned your respect by talking to you like the person you were. If you started with him seeing the crutches, they disappeared in your mind after short weeks. He was so much bigger than that - and to the Gold Key club members (yeah...I was one of 'em), he was a mentor, a guide, an ear, just a solid dude - and one I won't forget. RIP Mr. Pont

So sorry to hear about Pont. Such a smart, kind soul who was loved and will be missed. Always gave me encouraging words and advice every time I talked to him. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers. I hope fond memories find you and provide some measure of comfort at this difficult time. Love, Teresa Kobylarz

Aurelio was a loving uncle and we will miss him very much. But we will always cherish our memories with him and his family. He had a generous sprit and was an inspiration to so many.

I remember being ring boy at Aunt Mary and Uncle Aurelio's wedding. I also remember Uncle Aurelio and my father (Jack McCann) talking about Philadelphia School system matters, as my father was also an educator in Philadelphia. Rest in peace, Uncle Aurelio. Love, Michael McCann

How blessed his life was because of Mary. I pray he is finally out of pain. His life was an inspiration

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Sending our prayers and condolences.

I had Mr. Pont while I was at Southern High School in The Golden Key Club 1991 to 1992. He was a great guy and I had done a Prom Fashion Show with him in 1991. He had funny stories and always made you laugh. In the Golden Key Club I met some many great friends and had fun. Mr. Pont your greatness had traveled with you and will continue. Rest In Peace Mr. Pont it was great knowing you. Karen Schmidt Class of 1992 Southern High School.

Mr. Pontarelli was one in a billion. I can’t tell you how much he loved his students . His soft, yet stern ,way of holding you accountable ,to show up , to be your best and always remember that the world is but your canvas , you can’t paint your own picture is what earned him the love and respect of so many . I remember crying the day I learned he was going to be my teacher , he was the mean one , the hard one they said . What I remember saying to myself is I am so glad I made my own decision to stay in his class, he was the best teacher , friend and man I have ever known . Mary and girls my deepest sympathy goes out to you all . Pont May you rest easy , your job was well done here on earth, now it’s time for peace . Love you always , Margie

My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Mr. Pontarelli was my English Teacher, i have very fond memories of him. He accomplished so much in his lifetime. God Bless 🙏🏻 Our world was so blessed to have had him….. Fly high Mr. Pont 🙏🏻😇🙏🏻

Emily, sending you and your family love and my condolences. You are cared for.

My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Pontarelli. I had the pleasure of being in his class for two years at Thomas Junior High. I had so much respect for him. He introduced me to books and authors that challenged me and broadened my reading field. He was also very encouraging to me regarding my writing skills. It was through him that I began my love of literature and writing. Years later, I worked at South Philly High School and there he was, working there as well! My daughter once asked who were the people who inspired me throughout my life, and he was one of the people on that list! I will never forget him!

R.I.P. Mr. Pont...you was always a friendly face and taught me alot during my high school years at South Philly High (1984-1987)...you have truly been a blessing to so many!!!

Aurelio and I were classmates from 1st grade througth high school. We were friends and academic rivals for top grades. While I left for the midwest for college and settled in Illinois, Facebook allowed us to remotely reconnect in later years. A good friend and a better man was he.

He was my English teacher atThomas Jr High. May he rest in piece.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.