Taunton, David James Ponte Sr, a lifelong Taunton resident, died unexpectedly at his Davis St home on Thursday, September 24 2009 after an illness. He was 85 years old. He was the husband of Ruth (Coute) Ponte. He was born in Taunton. Son of the late Manuel Ponte and Maria (Alves) Ponte. He was a blacktop foremen for Servino and Sons for many years. He attended Taunton Schools. He was a member of the U.S. Army/ Air Force, and also a member of the National Guard. He served in Italy in World War II. He was a member of the VFW in Taunton, the Taunton Elks, and the American Legion. He enjoyed golfing, camping, playing cards, and traveling to visit his children. He was a member of the former St. Paul's Church (St. Andrew the Apostle). In addition to his wife, he leaves three sons, David James Ponte Jr. of Raynham, Gary G. Ponte, of Fl., Paul W. Ponte of Taunton. He also leaves three daugther's Anne Marie Pelletier of North Carolina, Kathleen R. Ponte of Virgina Beach, VA, and Pamela J. Hackett of Phoneix, AZ. He leaves one sisters, Mary White of Taunton. He was the brother of the late Gail Johnson, Adelaide Arruda, John Ponte and Arthur DePonte. He also leaves 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.
His Funeral Services will be held Friday at 9am at the Taunton Funeral Home 8 Crapo St (off Tremont St) followed by a Mass of Christain burial at St. Andrew the Apostle Church at 10am. Relatives and friends invited to attend. Visiting hours Thursday 5-8pm at the Taunton Funeral home. Burial with Military honors at St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in David's name may be made to the American Lung Association National Headquarters 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 800. Washington, DC 20004.