MANHATTAN, KAS. — Joseph G. Ponte, professor emeritus at the Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University, died April 21. He was 90 years old.

Joseph G. Ponte, professor emeritus at the Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University

During a 21-year career at K.S.U., Mr. 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 K.S.U., he worked at ITT Continental Baking Co. for 17 years, most recently as manager of research services.

Mr. 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.

Mr. 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.

He 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; three children, Wendy Ponte of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Mars Ponte of Portland, Ore.; and Malcolm (Christine) Ponte of Springfield, Va.; and a granddaughter, Adelaide Ponte Usdin.