LEWISTON – John Joseph Ponte Sr., 86, of Lewiston died Thursday, Oct. 30, at St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion.

He was born in Taunton, Mass., on Sept. 20, 1922, a son to the late Manuel and Maria (Alves) Ponte. He was educated in Massachusetts, and graduated from Bentley College.

He enlisted in the Army in 1940, and was a sergeant during World War II. He worked for BF Goodrich, Bonan Footwear and retired from the Lewiston Housing Authority in 1986.

He was a former member of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, a lifetime member of the VFW and a past commander of Post 611 in Taunton, Mass. He was also a member of Post 1603 in Auburn, and a lifetime member of the American Legion and Holy Ghost Society in East Taunton, Mass.

He was a passionate golfer and his greatest joy while golfing was when he scored a hole in one. He played many courses throughout Maine, and especially Prospect Hill in Auburn.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and great-grandfather.

He leaves his wife of 59 years, A. Patricia (Camacho) Ponte of Lewiston; two sons, John Jr. of Hebron and Gregory and wife, Donna, of West Gardiner; a brother, David Ponte and a sister, Mary White, both of Taunton, Mass.; two grandchildren, John Glennwood of Hebron and Hannah Lu of Camden; and great-grandson, Justin Jade Fernands.

He was predeceased by a brother, Arthur De Ponte; and sisters, Gail Johnson and Lena Arruda.

We would like to thank the staff of 3 West at St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion. We are truly appreciative of all the wonderful care he received. Please know that we love you all.