Theodore G. Povinelli, a lifelong resident of the Bronx, died on February 29, 2024. He was 67.
Mr. Povinelli was born on August 19, 1956 in the Bronx to the late Theodore C. and Norma (Maffei) Povinelli. He is survived by his wife Ann-Nette (Peragine) Povinelli.
Visiting will be Tuesday from 4-8pm at John Dormi & Sons Funeral Home, 1121 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday at 10am at St. Francis Xavier Church, 1703 Lurting Avenue, Bronx. Interment will follow at St. Raymond’s Cemetery, 2600 Lafayette Avenue, Bronx.
Such heartbreaking news.
I remember Theodore as a wise man who would share his knowledge and experience to the people who knew him.
Theodore was my Physics teacher during my senior year in high school, and it was the same class where I made a new friend, who was a junior at the time. I will never forget that moment.
May he sleep in peace.
My heart is broken such a nice man .
Our deepest and sincere sympathy to Ann-Nette, Tommy, Jackson and Claudia. So many good memories of a good neighbor.
Rest in peace
Thoughts and prayers going out to Annette and the boys
Thoughts and condolences to Annette and Sons
My deepest condolences to Mr. Povinelli’s family and loved ones. Mr. Pov was a beloved teacher at Norte Dame. I remember meeting him during my pre-admission tour and his conversation strongly influenced my decision to pick ND. As one of the last classes from 79th street – our teachers knew we fought and were committed to making a future at ND. There are so many memories of his Pov-isms 37 years later we still remember and talk of them… Although I returned to ND many a time prior to him leaving the school he was always warm and welcoming… I still quote his pov-isms at work… Mr. Pov was a rare gem and I was blessed to cross paths and be influenced and have him as a teacher. Despite teaching the hard stuff – Biology and Physics… he always made it fun and fair. Rest in peace…
Mr. Pov, he is the reason I take hot showers on cold days, and cold showers on cold days! He is the reason I still believe in God! He is the reason I loved High school! He is the reason I am a teacher today! He is the reason I believe that excellent teachers have a lasting impact on the students who are lucky enough to know them. Mr Pov, I hope you are having beer in heaven with another legend Mr. Rapaglia. Rest in Peace my friend! Denise McHugh (ND’95 Ireland)
“Wherever you go, that’s where you’ll be.” I hope you are now resting in paradise, Mr. Pov. You will always be my favorite teacher of all time. High school was not an easy phase of my life, but your classes were always a ray of light. Thank you for helping me hone in on my skills and interest in math and science. I didn’t believe in myself until you did. You were one of the first positive male role models in my life. It was great to be in your company as you had so much knowledge and kindness to share. I know that many of my classmates will remember you fondly as well.
My condolences to the family. I hope that knowing that he will live on in many hearts and minds will be a tiny bit of comfort during this difficult time.
I am so deeply saddened by this news! Mr P was the best teacher I had in high school. So many life stories that he wove into his classes. We were all family. He told me I was a free spirit and I have never forgotten (nor will I ever forget) the laughter and life lessons!! Rest in peace Mr P and my deepest condolences to his wife, boys and family.
I am so saddened by this news. Mr. P was by far the best teacher I ever had. Every time I remember my time at Notre Dame it includes his encouragement, kindness and great sense of humor. The world is a bit dimmer without him in it. RIP Mr. P.
I am so saddened by this news. Mr. P was the best teacher. Every time I remember my time at Notre Dame it includes his encouragement, kindness and great sense of humor. RIP Mr. P.
Well said!
~Tara Cuddihy ’87
Mr P was one of those teachers who made a real difference in the lives of his students. His exuberance for his subjects and amazing storytelling kept things interesting and fun. He truly cared about his students as individuals and always went the extra mile. Rest in Peace, Mr P.
My sincerest condolences to the Povinelli Family. Mr. P took pride in his teaching and in his students and he always kept things fun and interesting in his class. He was one of those teachers that made an impact in many of his students’ lives. We were very lucky to have him…”Ergo Mr. P, and March Forth”…Rest in Heavenly Peace.
I just heard the news today and am moved to tears to hear that my absolute favorite teacher ever has passed away. He was truly the kindest gentlest soul. He never got angry or impatient with us, a school full of teenaged young ladies… I’m sure it wasn’t always easy. Even though I never saw him again after graduation, Mr P remained with me when I became a teacher years later. When any student would lament to me about something not being “fair”, I’d always reply with Pov’s famous: “fair (fare) is what you pay to get on the bus”. I don’t speak german, but all of these years later I still remember the little phrases Mr P would say. He’d walk around singing “Die Gedanken sind Frei”… thoughts are free. Mr Povinelli, now you are free too, may you rest in eternal peace.
Such a beautiful and moving video. Mr. Povinelli was an extraordinary human being! I was fortunate to be one of his students during my four years at Notre Dame HS. He was a very wise man and a brilliant teacher who made learning science so much fun! I was so very saddened to hear about his passing Such a tremendous loss! My sincerest condolences to his wife and sons. May Mr. Pov rest in eternal peace ❤️
My heart is heavy and joyful at the same time. Mr. Pov would have appreciated that conundrum. What can one say about a favorite teacher? He made science fun! He was such a great and humble guy. I will miss his smile, his German tidbits, and his brilliant mind. He was a shining star at 79th Street.
Rest in peace Mr. Pov
Mr P was such a wonderful teacher. I learned so much from him. I learned about 95% science and 5% German words :). My condolences to his family and everyone who knew him. He was a great part of my high school years at ND. He will be greatly missed.
So heartbroken to hear. He made us all enjoy science.
Thank you, Mr P for bringing joy to our classes and lives.
May his family have peace of mind and heart during this time.
Mr. Pov was my physics teacher during my time at Notre Dame. He infused our classes with enjoyment through his vibrant personality and humor. His kindness and positivity were unmatched, and he consistently ensured the success of his students because he genuinely cared about each one of us. Sending my love to his family. May he Rest In Peace <3
Mr. P I am heartbroken! The first thing that came to mind was “the orange vest has no sleeves” He was the best !! I remember he used to tell me my mind was in the sciences but my heart was in the humanities- everyday at work I am constantly reminded of that and I hope I did him proud! Although I never suddenly woke up and understood the meaning of calculus! The world is a better place for you having been in it, and for all the people you touched. Rest in peace !
I was blessed to have Mr. Povinelli as my teacher for more than one class. Like so many have said, I remember, listening to his many stories, but also learning and understanding so much information… it takes a special person to be able to accomplish both tasks so beautifully.
He truly made learning fun and so interesting.
My condolences to his family. May God comfort you in your sadness.
Mr. Pov was an amazing teacher that passionately taught everything he knew. He made class fun and interactive. I am deeply saddened. He truly was one of the best teachers ever. I will never forget “a mere bag of shells”. May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort in his memory.
Reading all these comments made me think of Mr. P’s great personality and how patient he was with us. He was a terrific teacher and just thinking of him makes me smile. There is no doubt he influenced many to become teachers because he made the job look like fun. Rest in peace Mr. Povinelli. My condolences to his family.
Mr. Pov was the reason that I speak German. He was a great teacher during my time at Notre Dame and he helped inspire not only my love for physics but most importantly for German.
I am grateful to have been one of his many students. Viele Dank Mr. Pov ❤️
I am so saddened to hear of Mr. Povinelli’s passing. My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones. He was one of a kind. The previous messages from his other former student’s resonated deeply with me. I was his student at Notre Dame, and he gave me some of the most valuable life lessons… he encouraged curiosity and breaking molds. I know he has touched many lives and I can tell from those beautiful photos that he loved life fully. Rest easy, Mr. Pov