FALL RIVER – Cristiano “Tio Cris” DaPonte, 63, of Fall River died unexpectedly at Charlton Memorial Hospital on Friday, January 11, 2019, with his wife, Lidia, by his side. Born in Santa Barbara Santo Antonio, Sao Miguel, Acores, he emigrated to the United States with his family in 1969. In addition to his wife of 41 years, he leaves behind a son, Kevin and two daughters, Denise Mussotte (husband Ledanoff) and Khadijah DaPonte (fiancé Shane Conceicao). Cris’ seven grandchildren, Cristian, Zoie, Emma, Gizelle, Grace, Lexi and Axel were the loves of his life. He spent hours playing and taking care of them any moment he could.
Cristiano is now in heaven with his father and mother, Antonio and Ilda DaPonte. He is survived by three sisters, Maria DoCarmo Silva (husband Eduardo), Maria DosAnjos Medeiros (husband Tiago) and Hilda Ferreira (husband Tomas), all of Fall River. He also leaves behind four brothers, Manuel DaPonte (wife Barbara of Westport), Jose DaPonte (wife Mary of Columbus, Ga), Antonio DaPonte (wife Grace of Dartmouth) and George DaPonte (of Tampa, FL). His sister Rosa Vultao and brother Jordan DaPonte have also entered God’s Kingdom.
“Cris" worked for many years at Rhode Island Nurseries and, most recently, for the City of Fall River Water Department, before retiring in 2017.
Cris lived his life enjoying every moment he had on this earth. You could not be in the same room with him and not laugh at his jokes, his silliness or his amazing dance moves. When he wasn’t making you laugh out loud, you could find him in his garden, under his grapevine and making wine. Cristiano also enjoyed traveling, especially back to his homeland of Sao Miguel. As long as Cris was with his family, he was having a good time. He was well-known throughout the community and will be missed by so many who loved him.
His funeral will take place from the Manuel Rogers & Sons Funeral Home 1521 N. Main St. Fall River on Wednesday here at 7:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial Espirito Santo Church at 9 A.M. Interment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Calling hours on Tuesday from 4-8 P.M. www.rogersfuneral.com.