A series of car washes Friday through Sunday are being staged to help raise funds to bury the family man who died of injuries in an incident that ended a birthday party.
Dean Ponsiano, 46, passed away from head injuries sustained after he was assaulted early Sunday morning outside his Dody Drive home south of Woodward Park.
The fatal injuries were allegedly delivered by his future son-in-law, Momayo Fernandez, 32, who is facing murder charges. Manteca Police said Ponsiano fell after being assaulted and struck his head on the asphalt.
“Dean Ponsiano, my father, and one of the strongest men I have known in my life,” his daughter Marta Ambriz wrote in an e-mail. “I have seen this man conquer and overcome many things in the past 11 years. Unfortunately, in this case he was unable to beat his injuries and has passed away. He leaves behind four daughters, a son, and a loving wife (Marta Ponsiano). He was loved unconditionally and he will truly be missed. At this time my family and I are reaching out to the community in the hopes that you all will find it in your hearts to stand behind us and give any support possible so that my Dad may have a final resting place and be at peace. . . “Please keep my family and me in your prayers and thank you for all of your love and support”
The car washes will take place in the parking lot of Red Carpet Liquor, East Yosemite and Powers avenues. The Friday times are 2 to 7 p.m. Car washes will be conducted for donations as well on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
All donations will go toward burial expenses.
Car washes help family lay to rest murder victim