Arthur Albert Ponti

Arthur Albert Ponti

December 27, 1923 – March 9, 2023

Born December 27, 1923 in San Francisco to Faustino Ponti and Serafina Tollini, Arthur Albert (“Art”) Ponti passed away peacefully on March 9, 2023 in Redwood City, CA. Art grew up in San Francisco, where he witnessed many landmark events, including the Depression, the end of Prohibition, the opening of the Golden Gate and Bay bridges, and the 1939 World’s Fair. 

He graduated from Galileo High School in 1942, when he began work as a machinist apprentice at Pacific Gear and Tool Works on Folsom St. He served with the U.S, Army’s 849th Ordnance Depot Company in New Guinea and the Philippines during World War II, and then returned back to San Francisco after the war to continue his career in the machine trade. In 1959, Art moved his young family to Redwood City where he lived until moving to Foster City in 2021. Metal work was Art’s career and his passion. His dedication to his craft and the skills he developed allowed him to work variously as a journeyman machinist, shop lead, foreman, and inspector, for an incredible and fulfilling 72 years.

Arthur is survived by his wife of 70 years, Shasta nee Vardanega, son Daniel, daughter-in-law Pamela, granddaughter Lauren, grandson Luca, and granddaughter-in-law, Haley Thompson. He was devoted to his family, generous to his friends, a mentor to colleagues, and was most satisfied with simple things: a scotch or Old Fashioned before dinner, home-cooked comfort food, late night snacks, enjoying the sunshine or an evening breeze in his backyard, singing (especially in the shower), and of course, his 1969 VW Beetle, which he lovingly maintained and is now in the care of his grandson. Art was a humble and contented man. He treated everyone with respect and kindness, no matter who they were or how he was feeling. It was a rare moment when Art didn’t have a smile on his face or a twinkle in his eye. His energy, wit, and love of life touched everyone who knew him, and that spirit persisted until his last breath. We will miss him dearly.

A memorial service will be held on March 20 at 11 am at the Main Chapel, Italian Cemetery, Colma, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Arthur to UCSF Prostate Cancer Research, or to a favorite charity.