Kern County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....Poncetta, Elmo April 2, 2005
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K T bluewolf@onemain.com April 5, 2005, 11:52 pm

The Bakersfield Californian 
Elmo Poncetta
January 22, 1926 - April 2, 2005

Longtime Bakersfield area farmer and rancher Elmo Poncetta passed away on April 
2, 2005, in Bakersfield after a hard-fought battle with cancer. A Catholic 
graveside service will be held at Greenlawn Southwest Cemetery on Wednesday, 
April 6, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. Father Craig Harrison will officiate. 

Elmo was born on January 22, 1926, to Burt and Maria Poncetta on the family 
dairy farm south of Bakersfield. He attended Panama School and Kern County 
Union High School while working at the same time on the family dairy farm with 
his brother and three sisters. At the age of 17, Elmo was entrusted to run the 
farming operation while his brother, Emilio was serving in the Armed Forces. 
Elmo and Emilio eventually formed the Poncetta Brothers partnership in 1952 and 
operated the dairy and farm until 2002 when Elmo went into semi-retirement 
after the passing of his brother.

Elmo is survived by his wife (and high school sweetheart) of 59 years, Elsie; 
son, David Poncetta and his wife, Denise; son, Jerry Poncetta and his wife, 
Beverly; grandchildren, Melissa and her husband, Mike Alexander; Michael 
Poncetta, Emily Poncetta, Justin Poncetta and Angela Poncetta; great-grandson, 
Tyler Alexander; sister, Rose and her husband, John Massocca; sister, Jean 
Valente and sister, Mary and her husband, Joe Costa; sister-in-law, Dorina 
Poncetta; sister-in-law, Alberta Bigelow as well as many nieces and nephews. He 
was preceded in death by his mother, Maria and father, Burt; brother, Emilio 
Poncetta and nephew, Johnny Poncetta.

Elmos entire life was devoted to his farming and his family. He was and will 
always be remembered for his unusual sense of humor and his deep appreciation 
of common sense and good moral values. His interest in beef cattle led to the 
creation of Poncetta Brothers Shorthorns in 1961 with the purchase of the four 
original herd cows Frostie, Bobbie, Annie and the ever-remembered Sweet Sixteen 
or Sweetie. Traveling to and showing cattle at various cattle shows in 
California grew to be one of his favorite activities from which he made and 
kept many friends to this day. The Shorthorn herd he developed has been known 
as one of the premier purebred cattle herds in the area.

The family would like to thank all the family and neighbors who have been so 
supportive and helpful during this difficult time; especially niece, Katrina 
for her special nursing skills. The family would also like to thank Dr. Nirav 
Naik for his positive attitude and efforts and nurse assistant Serena for her 
constant attntion and friendly character which was a source of motivation to 
Elmo.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Optimal Hospice Care, 4800 
Stockdale Hwy., Bakersfield 93309 or St. Francis Church, 900 H St., 
Bakersfield, CA 93304.

Doughty-Calhoun-OMeara

Funeral Directors 


Additional Comments:

Volunteer submission - No relation to deceased. 


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