Arthur Albert Ponti Colma, California Obituary

Arthur Albert Ponti

<p>Arthur Albert Ponti</p><p><br></p><p>December 27, 1923 – March 9, 2023</p><p><br></p><p>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.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p>
December 27, 1923 - March 9, 202312/27/192303/09/2023
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3 trees planted in memory of Arthur Albert Ponti.
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Karen Vardanega
March 18, 2023
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
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Catherine Motroni
March 20, 2023
Art was truly a wonderful soul. He was kind, gentle, loving, and had the patience of a saint. I know his family will miss him dearly. He was always kind to me, and I appreciate the time we got to spend together-whether traveling or at his home. Although I hadn’t seen ... Continue Reading
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John Motroni
March 20, 2023
Art was one of my absolute favorite "Friends' Parents". Whenever I came over to visit he always seemed to be in a good mood and showed genuine interest in how I was doing and what I was doing. He had a great sense of humor and a very caring nature.
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Julie Abraham
March 19, 2023
Spending time with Art was a revelation. A few years ago, Dan had a spare ticket to a Giant’s game, and we three rode the train to town, and then hoofed it to the stadium.

In all honesty, I was expecting to walk a little slowly to take Art’s venerable age into accoun...
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Diane Ponti Wright
March 18, 2023
My dear uncle was the kindest and gentlest of Ponti's. Always a smile on his face and a spring in his step. His sweet nature attracted love all around. I will miss him very much.
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Duane Harris
March 18, 2023
1 comment
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Duane Harris
March 18, 2023
Art was interesting, but more importantly; he was interested.
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John Vardanega
March 17, 2023
Uncle Art was a gentle snd humble man who always had a smile. Enjoyed our trips to Reno especially the singing after dinner. RIP Uncle Art.
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Terri Gladish
March 17, 2023
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Terri Gladish
March 15, 2023
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Steve Mohr
March 15, 2023
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