Robert J Ponti

Robert J. Ponti, Sr. passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at the age of 93 years, a native of Algiers, LA and a resident of Metairie since 1973. Son of the late Gaetano Carlos Ponti and Evelyn Josephine Schlumbrecht.

Beloved husband of Joyce Engelhardt Ponti for 47 years; brother of Eugene O. Ponti; loving father of Jennifer Fontenelle (John) and loving stepfather of Laura Colvin, Tracy Griffin (Larry), Daniel Traugott (Cheryl); grandfather of Michael Ponti, Jr., Catherine Ponti Ortiz (Juan), James Brooks, Logan, Connor, Bryce and Gabe Fontenelle; great-grandfather of Charlotte Brooks and Matias Ortiz; step grandfather of Brandon Colvin, Dylan Colvin (Shelby), Wayne and Stephen Griffin, Taylor Traugott (Gabrielle) and James Traugott. Robert was predeceased by sons, Robert, Jr. and Michael Ponti, Sr.; daughter, Diana Brooks; step grandson, Justin Thomas Traugott; and brother, Gaetano “Guy” Ponti. Robert was a graduate of St. Aloysius (Brother Martin) High School where he excelled as an All Prep football player.

In 1955, he was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. In 1960, he received a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington and Registered Professional Engineer State of Louisiana. He was commissioned as 2nd Lt United States Air Force, stationed at Ladd Air Force Base, Fairbanks, Alaska. As USAF Capt., he served as Chief, Quality Control Assurance Branch, Newark, Ohio, the center for USAF service of Minuteman, Atlas and Titan rockets. As supervisor at Chrysler Corporation, Michoud, he directed the Space Division Flight Evaluation Unit on the Saturn Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. After 22 years of service with South Central Bell/BellSouth, he retired as Operations Manager Engineering and Construction Houma/Westbank District.

Robert and Joyce enjoyed many happy years fishing and taking every opportunity to spend time at their Grand Isle camp. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, golfing and coaching his daughter, Jennifer’s, softball team.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 11am. A visitation will be from 10am until the service begins. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery.