Regina Maria Pontillo's Obituary
Regina Maria Pontillo of Berkeley, passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2012, after complications of a severe asthma attack. Regina was an extremely talented and charismatic singer, bandleader, and multi-instrumentalist who performed heartfelt jazz and blues with some country mixed in. She was the devoted, adoring and cherished mother of Katia Dhira Pontillo, beloved and loving daughter of Virginia B. Pontillo and Louis F. Pontillo of Chicago, IL, and loving sisters Rita Pontillo of Chicago, Debora Pontillo, of Seattle WA, and brother Louis Pontillo of Chicago, as well as nieces: Nicole, Jenny, Jackie and Jessica, nephew Louis, plus many aunts, uncles and cousins. Regina approached musical performance as a way to give joy to others and would often dance during her band's instrumental solos. She always performed with topnotch musicians and amazed audiences with her vocal talent reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. In addition to performing, Regina taught music to many children, adults, and sometimes entire families. She was beloved by them all, and by many, many friends, as well. Regina was born on November 9, 1962. Though she struggled throughout her life with asthma, she will be remembered for her fun loving personality, caring sensitivity, honesty and spirituality. In lieu of flowers, donations to: Katia Pontillo CUTMA, First Republic Bank, 111 Pine Street, San Francisco, CA, 94111, will be greatly appreciated by the family. The family would like to thank Michael Anjema, RN, CCRN, of Alta Bates Hospital Critical Care ICU and the many other caring staff and doctors there. Friends are invited to call at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA, Friday, March 2, from 4 to 8 pm.
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