Claude Joseph Pontiff

Claude “CJ” Pontiff left this world on April 23, 2025 to enter eternal love and light. CJ is survived by his three girls (well, five if you count his dogs, Koko and Livvy Lou) with whom his entire world revolved around. He was married to his loving wife, Johnny, for 63 wonderful years. They enjoyed flipping houses and going to the casino (where he was always ready to leave hours before she was). He was the most amazing daddy to his daughter, Nikki Pontiff (who he’d swear had more shoes than anyone else in the world). They were besties and loved attending political and social events together where they would dance the night away. He was the best “Yeah Love” to his only grand daughter, Emmy Rabalais. He was so proud of her current title of Miss Teen Wheelchair USA and bragged to anyone who would listen. Their bond was magical. Emmy made sure everyone knew that he made the best red beans and rice ever. He is also survived by his two little sisters, Mary Kirchem (Tommy) and Mildred Buuck and many nieces and nephews. CJ traveled the world during his time in the U.S. Navy but he was a true New Orleanian though and through.
He was a successful business owner of Pontiff Plumbing Company which he took over from his father and ran for over 50 years. He was an avid poker player and the highlight of his week was always his Saturday night poker game with the card players that loved so much. He also loved fishing and never missed a chance to be on the water. CJ was a huge MAGA supporter and was always up for a good political conversation (or argument for that matter). He was the most loving husband, the dad everyone wished they had, the proudest grandpa, the best big brother, and a true friend to everyone who knew him. He will be missed beyond measure. He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude Wilson and Emma McDonald Pontiff and his little brother, Robert.
CJ is going out like only he could with a private event with immediate family on a beautiful boat on Lake Pontchartrain. 

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