Mr. Louis Joseph Ponticelli, 89, of Carriere, died Tuesday, March 13, 2018 in Biloxi.
Mr. Ponticelli was one of three brothers that grew up during the depression who helped his dad sell milk and ice off a push cart in Revere, Massachusetts. He was a second generation immigrant from Italy. He lied about his age and joined the Navy during World War II and served from 1944 to 1946. He was in Europe and was one of the three selected to do all of the microfiche for the Nuremberg trials. He was discharged at the end of the war and immediately enlisted in the Army with Airborne Infantry and later was aviation. He then served in the Korean War and eventually went to Vietnam where he served in two tours before he was wounded. He was then assigned to Verona, Italy where he was the first sergeant of the air field and aviation assets.
In 1972, he retired from the Army. After retirement, he was involved in real estate, worked in law enforcement, and worked as a civilian with Kirkland Air Force Base. During that time, he served as VFW Commander of the Belen Chapter and was a VFW service officer. He also served on an advisory board dealing with under privileged children and Indian families.
He is preceded in death by his sons, Ralph and Vance Ponticelli; parents, Louis Joseph and Marie Ponticelli, and his brother, Ted Ponticelli.
Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Gretta V. Ponticelli; son, Steven Ponticelli; brother, Bob Ponticelli, and a host of extended family members.
The family will receive friends for a reception and celebration of life service from 12 pm - 2 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Southern Mississippi Funeral Services. Military honors will take place at the funeral home at 2 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, support.woundedwarriorproject.org
Southern Mississippi Funeral Services is serving the family. Share your memories and send condolences at www.smfs.us
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