from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Louis Andrew Pontone, 82, of Staten Island, N.Y., died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 28, 2016.

Mr. Pontone was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he met the love of his life, Josephine. He served two years in the United States Army during the Korean War, stationed in Germany. After he and Josephine were married they moved to Staten Island to raise their family.

In 1931 his father started a casket company. After he and his brothers joined their father they expanded the company to serve all 50 states, as South Brooklyn Casket Company, Miller Casket Company and Reliable-Miller Casket Company, then joining under one name, Milso Industries, and later teaming with Matthews International.

He shared a passion for race horses with his son, Thomas. Together they started TLP Stable in 1996. They had the privilege of owning one of a kind horses. They had two Hambletonian winners, Muscle Hill and Market Share, and won Breeders Crown titles with Art Major, Market Share, Muscle Hill (two titles), Red Bow Tie (two titles), and Shark Gesture. Other top horses they owned included Cathedra Dot Com, Holiday Road, McArdle, Metropolitan and Wishing Stone.

Mr. Pontone is survived by his wife of 57 years, Josephine Solimandi Pontone; children, Donna (Robert Knott), Thomas (AnnMarie) and Angela (Joseph) LoConte; grandchildren, Jaclyn, Malorie, Allyse, Amanda, Isabelle, Alyssa Jo and Angelina; great-grandchildren, Gianni, Andy and Louis; brothers and sisters, Harry, Mary Maniglia, Gloria Revano, Thomas (Kathy), Andrew (Maryanne), and Michael (Martha); brother-in-law, Vincent Apicella; sister-in-law, Rosemarie Aceste; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Angelina Sarno Pontone; and sister, Josephine Apicella.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday (May 4) at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 90 Third St. (New Dorp), Staten Island. Entombment will be in Moravian Cemetery. Visitation is Monday (May 2) and Tuesday (May 3) from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Hanley Funeral Home, 60 New Dorp Lane, Staten Island, NY 10306.