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

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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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

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.

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

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.