Joseph Ponte Kansas State University
Prior to joining KSU, he worked at ITT Continental Baking CO. for 17 years. 
MANHATTAN, KASNSAS, U.S. — Joseph G. Ponte, professor emeritus at the Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University (KSU), died April 21. He was 90 years old.

During a 21-year career at KSU, Ponte was engaged in teaching, conducting research in cereal and baking science and technology, and had involvements with extension and International Grains Program activities. He had been on a number of overseas consulting assignments in Egypt, China and other countries.


Prior to joining KSU, he worked at ITT Continental Baking Co. for 17 years, most recently as manager of research services.

Ponte received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Northwestern University and did graduate work in cereal chemistry at the University of Minnesota. He graduated from the 20-week course in Bakery Science and Technology at the American Institute of Baking and worked as a baking technologist at AIB for two years.

Ponte had been a member of the American Association of Cereal Chemistry since 1960 and was named a fellow of the association in 1987. He was a member of the American Society of Bakery Engineers and served on its advisory board. He also was a member of the Institute of Food Technologists and the Break Bakers Guild of America.

Ponte was the author and co-author of more than 100 articles and book chapters about cereal science and baking technology.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Jean M. Ponte of Manhattan, Kansas, U.S.; three children, Wendy Ponte of Brooklyn, New York, U.S.; Mars Ponte of Portland, Oregon, U.S.; and Malcolm (Christine) Ponte of Springfield, Virginia, U.S.; and a granddaughter, Adelaide Ponte Usdin.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Flint Hills Bread Basket of Manhattan. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.