Janet Pontolilo

Janet Pontolilo died peacefully on January 5, 2026, surrounded by family. But first, she
was born—on January 16, 1948. Her birth was a story Janet loved to tell. Her parents,
Emile and Catherine, were racing through a snowstorm to the hospital when they were
pulled over by the police. A frantic Emile alarmed the officers as they approached the
car, but when they realized Catherine was in labor, they escorted the expecting couple
the rest of the way. Emile and Catherine named their first daughter Janet Maria Plante.
Janet grew up in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, with her brothers John and
Arthur—who used to throw their younger brother, Greg, across the creek in their
backyard when he was still too small to make the leap—and her younger sister, Mary
Jane, who as a toddler famously grabbed Farmer Frank’s bull by its nose ring. Janet
was never one to make herself the center of attention, but she loved sharing stories like
these with family and friends.
After graduating from Bishop Feehan High School and Stonehill College, Janet raised
her two children, Carrie Lombardo and Brian Pontolilo, in Guilford, Connecticut. Janet
always said that Carrie was the boss. “Brian will have his juice now,” Carrie would
declare—one of Janet’s favorite stories to tell. Carrie and Brian inherited Janet’s smile,
but aspired to her calm and gentle presence, kindness, and generosity. Her warm smile
could light up a room, but her loving nature remains a guiding light that will never be
extinguished.
After many years as a stay-at-home mom, Janet returned to teaching elementary
students at the St. Peter’s School in New Haven. She later earned a master’s degree in
counseling from Southern Connecticut State University and worked as a social worker
in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. The work suited her. She made such a
lasting impression on residents, families, and coworkers that many stayed in touch with
her long after she retired.
During this time, Janet met her longtime partner, Jerome “Jerry” Costanzo, who ignited
her passion for UConn basketball (she was also a devoted Red Sox fan, in honor of her
mother). Jerry was a sweet man, and they shared a loving relationship until his death in
2019. Janet also remained close with many friends from childhood and college, and in
retirement she shared adventures with them on trips to Italy, Las Vegas, and Cape Cod.
Janet loved to laugh, especially with her lifelong best friend, Mary “Mimi” Joyce. Janet
could surely be goofy, but she also knew when to listen, which she did carefully and
without judgement. With few words, Janet shared her simple wisdom with all of us.
When Janet became a grandmother to Carrie’s children, Cassie, Callan, and Cole, and
Brian’s son, Sam, she chose to be called “Jannie.” As she stepped into the role she
loved most, she fully embodied the name. Many people who met her during this chapter
of her life knew her only as “Jannie”—kind of like Sting, or Madonna. And as great as
Sting and Madonna are as performers, Jannie was even greater as a grandmother. She

attended countless concerts and plays, lacrosse games, swimming and cross-country
meets and tennis matches. She took her grandchildren shopping and to museums and
basketball games. Jannie had a gift for making moments and memories that Cassie,
Callan, Sam, and Cole will carry with them always.
Oh, and she once met the Beach Boys. We’ll have to save that story for another time.

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