Ponzillo, Clara R. Mechanicville Clara R. Ponzillo of Saratoga Avenue passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at home with her family at her side. She was 94. She was born on May 12, 1917, in Mechanicville, daughter of the late Stefano and Emilia Sgambati. Clara is the wife of the late Frank P. (Chuckie) Ponzillo whom she married on October 11, 1941. An accomplished musician, Clara was the organist for the Assumption/St. Paul Parish for over 60 years in addition to ministering to St. Peters Church in Stillwater, St. Lukes Church in Mechanicville, and surrounding parishes. She was the pianist for the Majestic Scamps Band and was featured on the radio in the late 1930s and early 40s. A Charter Member of the Junior Dante Club, she also belonged to the Sacred Heart Society, the Children of Mary and the Rosary Altar Society. She was a longtime active member of the Mechanicville/ Stillwater Home Bureau, the Peter Purcell Post and the Mechanicville Fire Department Auxiliary where she would accompany the plays the fire department would put on. She was also a member of the Italian Fraternal Society where she was the treasurer of the Bocce League as well as the treasurer and secretary for the WIBC Bowling and Bocce leagues. Clara also sang with the Festival of Praise Choir in Albany. She helped and supported her husband while he served as secretary/ treasurer of the John Ahearn Rescue Squad for many years. She was a devoted New York Yankees fan and watched all the games. She was also an avid crafter making beautiful pieces she shared with so many. Throughout her life she also worked at her parents grocery store, Sgambatis Groceries on Saratoga Avenue. She worked at G.E., Schenectady during the early years of the war leaving there to be with Frank who was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas. Clara is survived by her daughters, Patricia (John) Lagitch and Elizabeth (John) Day, her siblings, Carmella (late Sanford) Izzo, Dr. Stephen (Opal) Sgambati, Christopher (Lucy) Sgambati and Theresa Sgambati all of Mechanicville. Her grandchildren, John (Jodi) Lagitch of Burnt Hills, Kellie (Paul) Marrero of New Windsor, NY and Dr. Sarah Day of Rochester, her great grandsons, Derek and Dylan Marrero and Nicholas Lagitch and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband Frank, she is predeceased by her sisters, Frances and Elizabeth Sgambati and Emilia Finelli and her brothers Patrick and John Sgambati. Relatives and friends may call from 4-8pm on Friday, December 30, 2011, at All Saints on the Hudson South Church (St. Pauls) 121 North Main Street, Mechanicville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Saturday, December 31 at the church with Fr. James Kane officiating. Burial will be in the family plot in St. Paul Cemetery, Mechanicville. Kindly consider donations to the St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the charity of your choice in Claras memory.