Alphonse Dante "Al" Pontrelli

Alphonse (Al) Dante Pontrelli, 91, joined his beloved wife and our mom, Mary Claire in Heaven on April 24, 2015. He was born in St. Paul, MN on January 24, 1924 to Italian immigrant parents, Michael and Duilia Rossini Pontrelli. At the age of six, the family moved to Glendive, MT where Al attended grade and high school. It was during high school that he met Mary Claire Anderson. They were married on August 11, 1947 and were married for 62 years until Mom's death in 2009. They moved to Missoula in 1960.
Dad graduated from St. John's University, followed by three years in the Navy and a master's degree from the University of Minnesota. He had an early career as a chemistry teacher, then got into the insurance business where he successfully served for 50 plus years.
Dad sang in the Mendelssohn Club for nearly 60 years, was an active and beloved member of Christ the King Parish and very involved in the community throughout his many years. He was the chair of the first few International Choral Festivals held in Missoula. He loved people and was always eager to help others.
He will be remembered for his gregarious personality, generosity, loving spirit, kind heart and warmth. His hugs were the best and he had a wonderful, booming voice and laugh. No one was a stranger to him. He had a gift of instant connection with everyone he met.
His proudest accomplishments and greatest source of adoration were Mary Claire and his seven children; six boys and a girl. He was proud of all of us and loved us more than life. We will miss our sweet dad who gave his all to support us throughout the years. Rest in peace, Dad. We are comforted knowing you are in Paradise with Mom.
Survivors include children Mike (Karen), their daughter Nadine and two grandchildren, Belfair, WA; Tom (Debra) and daughter Amber Keifer, Las Vegas, NV; Dan (Michelle), Dallas, TX; Dan's son David, Missoula; Tim (Kerry), San Diego, CA; Dave (Susie), Hamilton, MT; Annie, Seattle, WA; James and his son Michael Dante, Missoula, MT.
The memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 21 (the same day as Mom's funeral six years ago) at 3 pm at Christ the King Church, 1400 Gerald Ave, Missoula, MT 59801. Following the service will be a reception at the Alpha Omega house at 501 University.
Donations can be made to Alzheimer's organizations, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Christ the King church, or charity of choice.
Please view and sign the online guestbook @ www.missoulafuneralhomes.com

Read Alphonse Pontrelli's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.