Art Ponti

Art Ponti passed on March 31, 2009 after a short illness. Art was born February 25, 1929 in Walla Walla, Washington. One of nine children born to Carlo and Maria Ponti who came from Angera and Lonate Pazzola, Italy.Art was a 49 year resident of Bellevue, Washington as well as a part-time resident of Sun Lakes, Arizona.Art graduated from high school in Walla Walla, WA, and went on to graduate from Whitman College with a degree in business Art then saw service as a commissioned officer in the US Air Force during the Korean War, eventually rising to Captain in the Air Force reserve. On June 14, 1958 Art married his sweetheart Joan, and they raised two wonderful sons.Upon his return from the Air Force he joined the Boeing Company, Commercial Airplane purchasing organization, and during a 37 and a half year career rose to be Vice President of Safety Health and Environmental Affairs for Boeing, where he retired in 1991.Art was truly a citizen of the world, as attested by his many friends and associates. His infectious smile, wonderful personality, quiet unassuming ways, great jokes that make you laugh and his happy outlook made him a very special person to know. He will be sorely missed.Art is survived by his wife Joan of almost 51 years. Son Perry (daughter-in-law Kimmie); Niece, Tammy McKinsey; nephews Bob, Dick and Ken. Art is preceded in death by his son Dr. Tony Ponti, 3 sisters and 5 brothers.A Memorial Celebration will be in his honor on Thursday April 30th at 2:00 pm at Sunset Hills Funeral Home, 1215 145th Place SE, Bellevue, WA 98007. Donations may be made in his honor to the Hope Heart Institute, 1380 112th Ave NE, Suite 200, Bellevue, WA, www.hope-heart.org, or (206) 903-2001. The Hope Heart Institute serves humanity through cardiovascular research and education. To share memories of Art, please visit www.mem.com.