TAUNTON – Manuel David DaPonte, 90, passed away due to complications related to Covid on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Marian Manor Nursing Home where he had been compassionately cared for these last few years of his life. He was born June 28, 1930, in Sao Miguel, Azores, the son of the late Manuel DaPonte Jr. and Maria Margarida (Ferreira). He married Maria Jose Machado on August 30, 1958 in Sao Miguel, Azores.
Before immigrating to the United States in 1979, he was a security guard in his native land while managing and caring for his farm which was his passion, and had served in the Portuguese armed forces where he specialized in tele-communications. While residing in Taunton, he worked for Frank Noone Shoe Co. and Norwell Manufacturing. Upon retirement, David returned with his wife to his homeland where he spent his golden years. He enjoyed farming, watching westerns, Clint Eastwood movies and old comedies. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years Maria Jose (Machado) DaPonte; daughters, Eduarda DaPonte of Canada, Teresa Bonenfant and her husband Brian of Taunton, Connie Magan and her husband Ricardo of Taunton; sons, Emanuel DaPonte and his wife Paula of Taunton, Hermano DaPonte and his wife Gorete of Florida and Luis DaPonte of Taunton. He also leaves 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Jose DaPonte of Canada; numerous nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021. Viewing at O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home, 70 Washington Street, Taunton from 8:30 – 10:00am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am at St. Anthony’s Church, 126 School Street, Taunton. Interment will follow at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery.