Raymond Edward Pongetti, or “DiDi” as he was known when he was young, passed away peacefully at age 89 in his home in Placentia, CA on December 10, 2023 surrounded by family while praying the rosary.
Ray was born and raised in Shelby, Mississippi on November 13, 1934 during the Great Depression on a 240 acre cotton and soybean farm with his parents and 8 siblings. He was a descendant of Italian immigrants, Jetulio Victor and Amelia Avaltroni who came to the United States in the early 1900s. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Mississippi State University in 1956. Ray was in the United States Army Reserves until 1962 and served overseas in Korea at the Demilitarized Zone as a Specialist Fourth Class. He entered in employment in sales (eventually owning his own businesses) and found the love of his life, Mitzi Pongetti, at the Catholic Alumni Club. They married at St. Boniface Catholic Church on July 31, 1971. He miraculously survived 2 bouts of pancreatic cancer when he was 52 years of age and 81 years of age.
Ray is survived by: his wife of 52 years, Mitzi Pongetti; his five children: Paul (Sarah), Benjamin (Kendra), Thomas (Summer), Gregory (Tuesday) and Mary Beth; his 9 grandchildren: Kaley, Madeline, Lily, Gianna, Oliver, Luke, Aaron, Levi and James; his 2 remaining siblings: J. Victor and Delores; his many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was a devout Catholic man who held firmly to his principles of faith, family and leading by example. An avid gardener, he led a bountiful life and had a fond appreciation of God’s creation on Earth. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus since age 21 and eventually became a “Sir Knight” (a Fourth degree member). He was dedicated to his family volunteering many years as a beloved soccer coach and Boy Scout leader. He was very active in all aspects of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church including: faith formation, St. Vincent de Paul, FUTURE families, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at mass and for the homebound, coordinating adoration and many other volunteering opportunities.
He was known best for his great love of the outdoors, camping, campfires, popcorn, wood cutting, hiking, gardening, golfing, reading and most of all his faith.
