Longtime Livermore residents Donna and Art Pontau have established a scholarship to be awarded annually in honor of Richard E. Zufan, Donna’s father. The Richard E. Zufan Tool Scholarship will be awarded to an apprentice in one of the five ABC Norcal apprenticeship programs to honor Richard’s legacy of love and labor.
Richard Zufan was a die maker from his teens to his seventies in the Chicago, Illinois area. More the class clown than a dedicated student, Richard loved mathematics. So, working with his hands to precisely measure and cut small bits of metal to create cutting plates for cardboard carton printing greatly appealed to him. His die plates created the folds on a McDonald’s Happy Meal carton or ensured that a cereal box lid sealed the correct way. Today, computers complete much of the die plate creation process, but his years in the die room taught Richard the importance of a strong work-ethic, accuracy and precision, following-through, and responsibility.
Richard loved his family and proudly raised his children in a middle-class home. He was kind, honest, blunt, and had a great sense of humor with a wonderful laugh. He was also genuinely appreciative of anything nice someone did for him. Richard enjoyed having fun through bowling, golf, cards and family time, and was a big fan of the Chicago White Sox and Blackhawks.
Through this scholarship, we acknowledge and support men and women who prefer to work with their hands and use their skills and craftsmanship in the building trades such as electricians and plumbers. – Donna and Art Pontau
Donna and Art also established the Blanche Embick Pontau Community College Scholarship in honor of Art’s mother.
Eligible applicants must be a graduate of the Livermore School District and be enrolled in an ABC NorCal apprenticeship program – applicants of all ages are encouraged to apply. The Tool Scholarships helps defray the cost of tools and equipment required for the program.
