Michael Andrew Ponsano

In the 67 years that Michael Andrew Ponsano lived on this earth a sweeter light was felt by all he touched. Trite platitudes are easy, but the genuinely tangible impact Michael had during his life was undeniably profound. 

Micheal was born on April 9th, 1957 in Oakland, CA. He attended Bret Harte High School in Angels Camp where he met the mother of his four children: Angela, Nicholas, John, and Jessica. He and Catherine Randall built a life from 1978 through the early 2000s that supported the growth of their kids and a range of adventures. 

Living up to a nigh prophetic high school superlative, “Most polite”; Michael carried with him an innate charisma, with which he collected a plethora of tremendous friends. 

Michael never stopped learning. He collected contracting licenses like trading cards and built an enviable palace of knowledge which he used to create businesses, remodel homes, and rebuild clocks, motor vehicles, and anything that could be taken apart and put back together. His bike-riding encouragement to his children: “Look where you want to go, not where you don't” became enduring life-advice. 

He loved being a parent and took great joy in raising his children, to whom he passed along his unabashed sense of humor. Evenings after dinner were typically marked by his stories which regularly elicited hilarious laughter. His joyful take on fatherhood inspired each of his children in how to approach their own parenthood, and these grandchildren are part of the legacy of Michael's creativity and laughter. He was so very proud of his children's varied accomplishments, and he made sure they knew it. 

In February 2007 he met the love of his life, Christine Minnehan, with whom he shared the remainder of his time in this world. Together they shared a love and mutual understanding that encompassed each other fully. 

Each came from a past that included spouses which informed their keen awareness of what they each valued in a partner. Through Christine he met her son, Michael Minnehan, whom he adopted as his fifth child, and whom he enjoyed bragging about as much as his other children.

Everyone who met them could tell from a glance how much these people adored each other. Their love was patient and kind.

They were both devoted to creating nurturing homes: Michael’s skills built and improved the physical structures, Christine's skills built and improved the laws that protected their inhabitants. 

Their adventures took them to far corners of the world and together they saw the wildlife of Africa, tasted the foods of India, and immersed themselves in the history of Ireland. Their journeys also took them on the road in their Winnebago, who's interior comfort features Michael had upgraded to his usual impressive standards. 

He never “retired”. The work he did in this world was work that he loved. The home that he and Christine shared is filled with his elegant imprint of efficient interior remodels. Their final project together was the redesign and remodel of their kitchen. An impressive undertaking that was their mutual pride and joy; it shall be completed in the design Michael and Christine envisioned by Emmanuel Enriquez, to whom Michael passed on his knowledge of construction and design. 

The only mechanical problem he couldn't resolve was that of the cancer that took his life. In his final weeks he spoke often of the kindness of the people in his life, and his resounding love for his wife and for his children. His life overflowed with joy, knowledge, and community; and he appreciated all of it. 

He is survived by his wife, his living children, his eight grandchildren, and the many people whose lives he touched. A Memorial Mass will be held at the Holy Spirit Church in Sacramento on Monday July 22 at 10am; followed by a drive to the cemetery in New Auburn Cemetery the following day, Tuesday July 23, for the 10am interment with full honors. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests that remembrances be made in Michael's memory to the Mercy Pedlars. https://mercypedalers.com/donate/