Obituary of Michael Ponza

MICHAEL "Mickey" PONZA A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Capitola on Saturday for Michael Ponza who passed peacefully with his loving wife Alice by his side on February 11, 2011 at the age of 80. Born in Soquel, Mickey, as he was affectionately known by all, lived his entire life in Soquel. Upon graduating from Santa Cruz High School, he served his country in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Mickey was co-owner of Ponza Brothers Inc. Engineering Contractor and his career in the industry spanned over 35 years. His work and his family were his passion, and fond memories will be cherished of his being a tractor enthusiast, and attending auctions to purchase equipment. His was a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph's Catholic Church were he loved to serve as a greeter. Mickey was very civic minded, and was a member of Senior Coalition, Marconi Club, Italian Catholic Federation, and a 48 year member of the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge. He was instrumental in bringing Howard Jarvis to the Santa Cruz Civic in a forum to discuss Proposition 13. His family will forever remember his love of the open road and the traveling adventures in his motor home. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Alice Santos Ponza of Soquel, His sons, David (Betty) Ponza of Soquel, Gino (Kimberly) Ponza of Scotts Valley, Anthony (Kirsten) Ponza of Soquel,; his daughters, Gizelle (John) Sipin of Soquel, Jennifer Ponza of Santa Cruz and Mary (Shamss) Bennadja of Soquel. Mr. Ponza also leaves his seven beloved grandchildren, Alisha Sipin, Mitchell Ponza, Kamala Sipin, Kristina Swilley, Jason Ponza, Nicholas Ponza, Jack Ponza; great grandson, Kaden Swilley, and a sister, Mary (Gene) Hopkins of Soquel. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Edward Ponza and Anthony Robert Ponza. The mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church (435 Monterey Ave.) in Capitola beginning at 11 am with recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 10:45 a.m. Friends may pay their respects at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the mass begins. Committal services will follow at Holy Cross Mausoleum in Santa Cruz. Any kind acts of charity may be made in Mr. Ponza's name to Hospice of Santa Cruz County or St. Joseph's Catholic Church to go towards the purchase of the new elevator.