George Ponte 91 of Fall River MA, Retired Fall River Firefighter who achieved the rank of District Chief died on Wednesday. He was the husband of the late Madeline (Gonsalves) Ponte to whom he was married to for 58 years. Born in Fall River, he was the son of the late Maria Isabella (Oliveira) and John Ponte. He had attended Rogers High School and Durfee High School. George was a member of the Fall River Fire Dept. for 39 years and retired in 1987. He joined in 1948 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1956 then to Captain in 1971 and then to District Chief in 1973. George had also worked as a Meat Cutter at A & P, Stop & Shop and New England Poultry during the years 1950 to 1977. He was a tireless provider and had an exceptional work ethic. George was a dedicated husband and father. He had served in the US Navy during WWII as an Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class. He was a member of Holy Trinity Parish.
Mr. Ponte was a member of the Retired Fall River Municipal Employees Assoc., the Boy's Club, and the former Trinidade Club.
He is survived by 2 daughters Rosemary Viana (Husband Joseph), Lynda McDonald (Husband Raymond) and a daughter-in-law Elizabeth Ponte. George was the father of the late Michael George Ponte. He also leaves grandchildren Michael and Matthew Camara, Sara Farias, Catherine Pavao and 8 great-grandchildren. He was one of ten children who survived infancy. George is also survived by a sister Hilda Young and was the brother of the late Mary Ferreira, Edith Parsons (his twin), Georgianna Ponte, Alice Mello, Amelia Gonsalves, John, Manuel and Edmund Ponte. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
The family publicly extends its sincere gratitude to the entire staff of the Southpointe Rehabilitation Center as well as to the staff and volunteers of Beacon Hospice.
Visitation FRIDAY 4 to 7 PM. His Funeral will be held SATURDAY at 9am at the A F ALMEIDA & SON FUNERAL HOME 1309 Globe St, Fall River with a 10am Mass at Holy Trinity Church. Entombment at Notre Dame Mausoleum with Military Honors. www.almeida-pocasset.com.