About John Lino
John Lino Ponzini was a dedicated attorney based in Wilton, Connecticut, who passed away on November 9, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on August 29, 1953, in Queens, New York, to Lino and Marie Ponzini. John attended Resurrection Ascension Grammar School in Rego Park and St. Ignatius Loyola in Manhattan before moving to New Canaan, Connecticut, where he graduated from New Canaan High School in 1971. He pursued higher education at Catawba College in South Carolina and Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson before earning his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Iona College in New York City.
John then obtained his Juris Doctor from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City. Admitted to the Connecticut and New York Bars, John spent over four decades practicing law, focusing on family law and general practice. He served as a Special Public Defender and as Outside Counsel to the Connecticut Attorney General. His legal expertise encompassed felony cases, civil litigation, divorce, custody, and personal injury matters.
John was also successful in assisting clients with obtaining Medicaid in both Connecticut and New York, including drafting asset safeguarding trusts approved by regulatory agencies. In addition to his legal career, John was deeply involved in the arts, particularly theater. He began acting at the age of nine and received training at institutions such as the American Academy, Bard College, and Catawba College, where he earned Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor awards. His recent roles included Mortimer in "The Fantasticks" at the Town Players of Newtown and Sancho in "Man of La Mancha" at TheaterWorks in New Milford. John was also active in the Connecticut Bar Association, serving as a delegate and holding positions such as Outside Counsel for the Attorney General and Ex Officio Vice Chairman of the Fiscal Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives.
He was recognized on the Pro Bono Honor Roll by the American Bar Association and received the Highest Ethical Standards Award from Martindale-Hubbell. He is survived by his daughter, Maya Faye Ponzini, his brothers Robert Ponzini and Roger Armbruster, and several nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. John's contributions to both the legal and artistic communities have left a lasting impact on those who knew him. John's passing on November 9, 2022, marked the end of a distinguished career and a life rich in service to his community and the arts.
