Eileen & Anthony Pontes May 1, 1930 - December 12, 2025

Anthony Pontes, born February 16, 1929, in Turlock, California, passed away on December 21, 2025 surrounded by his family and a lifetime of loving memories. He was the son of Antonio and Helen Pontes and was raised in Turlock, where he attended local schools while working alongside his brothers, Henry and Frank, and his sister, Dolores, on the family dairy—an early foundation for the strong work ethic that defined his life.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953 as part of the Second Infantry Division. For his bravery and service, he was awarded the Bronze Medal, Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal, and United Nations Medal. His commitment to fellow veterans continued throughout his life as an active member of American Legion Post 88, the Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 203, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Chapter 5209. He also served for many years on the Honor Guard, a role he held with deep pride.

A man devoted to service and leadership, he spent 43 years as a dairyman, retiring in 1993. Beyond his family business, he served his community in countless ways, including 17 years as Director of the Western Farm Credit Bank, seven years as Chairman of the Central Valley PCA, and seven years representing five western states as Farm Credit Legislator—two of those years as chairman. He also served as Director of the Turlock Pentecost Association, was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and belonged to UPEC No. 75.

For more than 70 years, he shared a beautiful partnership with the love of his life, his wife Eileen, whom he devotedly cared for until her passing just nine days before his own. They did everything together, and their family finds comfort in believing they simply did not wish to be apart on earth and are now reunited in heaven.

He found great joy outside of work and service as well. He was a proud member of the All Season RV Club for over 30 years, loved camping and fishing, and had a passion for travel—visiting every presidential library in the country. He especially enjoyed playing cards with his friends and grandchildren, always insisting the game be played “the right way.” Above all, he was deeply devoted to his family and never missed a grandchild’s sporting event or 4-H/FFA show.

He is survived by his children David (Lisa), Janet (Victor), and James; his grandchildren Jeanine (Travis), Kristen (Dustin), Jessica (Ryan), Brian (Eliana), Sarah (Antonio), and Erin (Michael); and 16 great-grandchildren.

He leaves behind a legacy of service, integrity, devotion, and love. His family is profoundly grateful for the life he lived and the beautiful memories that will live on in their hearts forever.

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Eileen Pontes was born on May 1, 1930, in Modesto, California, and raised in Hughson. She was the beloved daughter of Joseph and Carrie Azevedo and grew up surrounded by family, faith, and a strong sense of community that she carried with her throughout her life. Eileen passed away peacefully at her home on December 12, 2025, at the age of 95, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.

Eileen is survived by her children, David (Lisa), Janet (Victor), and James; her grandchildren, Jeanine (Travis), Kristen (Dustin), Jessica (Ryan), Brian (Eliana), Sarah (Antonio), and Erin (Michael); and her 16 cherished great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Carrie Azevedo, and her beloved brother, Larry Azevedo.

Eileen and Anthony met at a dance in Gustine — a moment Anthony often recalled, remembering her in a red dress and thinking she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. They were married on May 1, 1955, and shared over 70 wonderful years together, built on love, laughter, faith, and devotion to family. Just nine days after Eileen’s passing, Anthony followed her to heaven — a beautiful testament to the depth of their love and the life they shared side by side.

A devoted homemaker, Eileen also worked alongside Anthony on their dairy farm. She was deeply rooted in her community and faith, serving as an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She was involved in the Mother’s Guild and PTA, helped found the Sacred Heart Thrift Shop that continues to serve the community today, and was a leader with Sacred Heart 4-H for over two decades. She was also a proud member of the Women’s Auxiliary Legion, a life member of the VFW, and a cherished member of the Red Hat Club, a social group for women over 50 that brought her much joy and friendship.

Eileen was a gifted seamstress who lovingly created clothing and costumes for her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, canning, reading, camping, fishing, and hunting, and she especially loved playing cards and traveling with family and friends. In her later years, she rarely missed a sporting event, 4-H activity, or FFA gathering involving her grandchildren — she was always their biggest fan.

Above all else, Eileen was known for her warmth, generosity, and her radiant smile — a smile she shared freely with anyone who crossed her path. She had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, valued, and loved. Her home was always open, her heart even more so.

Eileen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love shaped generations. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on in the many lives she touched and in the beautiful memories her family will forever hold close.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00pm on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Allen Mortuary, 247 N. Broadway Turlock.
A recitation of the Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at11:00 am on Wednesday, January 7 at Sacred Heart Church, 1200 Lyons Ave. in Turlock. Interment with military honors for Anthony will follow at Turlock Memorial Park. A reception will follow the interment at Sacred Heart School Cafeteria.