Anthony Ponti

Retired North Adams Fire Lieutenant D. Anthony Ponti, 85, of 5 Tower Ave., Adams, died early Tuesday morning, March 24, 2009 at his home. He was born in North Adams on October 2, 1923, a son of the late Giovanni and Rose (Petta) Ponte. He attended North Adams schools, and graduated from Drury High School. He also attended the former North Adams State College and Greenfield Community College, having received his Associate's Degree in Fire Science Technology. He was a Veteran of World War II, serving with the US Marine Corps Fleet Marine Force and First Marine Division in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He received a Presidential Unit Citation for combat on Guadalcanal and a Battle Star for the Pelileu invasion. Lt. Ponti was appointed a North Adams reserve firefighter in June of 1947. He was appointed a permanent firefighter on July 4, 1948, and was promoted to Lieutenant on August 19, 1956. He retired in 1973 after 25 � years of service, spending his last 2 years as the head of the Fire Prevention Bureau. He was a charter member of North Adams Firefighters Local 1781 of the International Association of Firefighters; a Life Member of both the Disabled American Veterans and Dr. George L. Curran Post 996 Veterans of Foreign Wars; a longtime member of the Northern Berkshire Technical-Vocational School Committee; Past President of the No. Berkshire Junior Chamber of Commerce; Past Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board; a member of the Berkshire County Sheriff's Association; Frank R. Stiles Post 125 American Legion; the MA Institute of Fire Dept. Instructors; the Williamstown Police Auxiliary; the Massachusetts Association of School Committees; the Kiwanis Club; the Retired State, County and Municipal Employees Association of Massachusetts; and the MA State Board to Study Control of Athletics. He was an Honorary Member of the Alert Hose Company in Adams. He is survived by his wife, the former Isabelle M. Collette, whom he married on February 19, 1949; 2 daughters, Barbara Falco and her husband Tony of Adams, and Margaret Gibbs and her husband Butch of Bath, Maine; 1 son, Michael Ponti and his wife Mary Anne of Manchester, Maine; 1 sister, Dolores Williams of Pittsfield; 7 Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces & grandnephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Vincent Ponti, and by 4 sisters, Katherine Herzig, Mary Jane Gavazzi, Beatrice Ponti, and Anita Parmenter. The funeral will be held on Saturday, March 28th, at 11:00 AM from the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 12 Noon in the Parish Church of Pope John Paul the Great, Adams, celebrated by Rev. Daniel J. Boyle, Pastor. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery, North Adams. Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial Donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, Springfield

Anthony Ponti

March 24, 1924 - March 24, 2009