George Lewis Ponte

New Bedford - George Lewis Ponte, 82, of Dartmouth, died Tuesday at Hathaway Manor Extended Care, after battling with cancer. He was the husband of Elsie C. (Oliveira) Ponte. He is survived by his son George and his wife Sharon Ponte of South Hampton, Ma, his daughter Geraldine I. and her husband John Aylward, of Dartmouth, who has done so much for the Ponte family; 2 granddaughters: Melissa and her husband Robert LaRochelle of Chicopee,Ma.and Stephanie L.and her husband Charles Mattos of New Bedford, 7 great grandchildren: Servonnah, McKenzie, Hunter, Landon and Griffin LaRochelle and Shane and Erynn Mattos. He is also survived by his former daughter-in-law Joyce Ponte of Chicopee,Ma.

Mr. Ponte was born in New Bedford and lived in this area all of his life. He was a foreman at Calvin Print and Dye for Mr. Salkine and also for Brittany Dyeing and Printing Corp. for Mr. Joblin and his son Ken Joblin. Mr. Ponte was a WWII Army veteran having served in the 717th Tank Battalion of the Armored Division in England, France , Germany and Holland. Mr. Ponte cried remembering his involvement in the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps and often said it was the most horrible sight he had ever seen.

His funeral will take place Friday January 16, 2004 from the Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St. at 7:45 A.M. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 A.M. at St. Mary's Church, South Dartmouth, Ma. Burial will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Ma. Calling hours are Thursday, January 15th from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 P.M. at the funeral home.