New Bedford MA.-Lionel Edward Ponte age 71, passed way Tuesday July 7, 2009 at St. Luke’s Hospital New Bedford after a brief illness.. He was the husband of the late Nancy June (Korona) Ponte who died May 9, 2007. Lionel was survived by David S. Ponte of New Bedford, Joanne Louise Hollis wife of Robert of St. Louis, MO. and Cheryl A. Ponte of Methuen. Lionel was the brother of David, William “Billy Boy” Jr., Arthur Da Ponte and John Ponte, Susan Ouimet, Elaine Orlowski, Brenda Carreia, Cynthia Arruda, and the late Janice Baptiste and Ronnie Ponte. He was also survived by 2 Grandchildren Margo and Abbey Hollis and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Ponte was the son of the late Beatrice (Cormier) Ponte and William Ponte. He was born in New Bedford and lived in this area all of his life. Lionel was employed as a teacher at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School until his retirement in 2000. He also owned Domestic Appliance and Refrigeration business. Lionel was a former member of the Coast Guard auxiliary, the Tin Can Sailors, Rod and Gun Club. He was on the advisory board of Voke Tech. He was most happy helping others and spending time with Family and friends. Also he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Cassin Young
Mr. Ponte’s funeral will be Saturday, from the Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. at 8 A.M. with a Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Church, on County St. New Bedford at 9 A.M. Visiting hours will be Friday from 4-8 P.M. Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery.
In lieu of Flowers a donation can be made to ST. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis Tenn. 38105