Born in Madeira Portugal, a son of the late Antonio and Maria Nunes Pontes. He grew up there and came to America May 1, 1959.
He was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Fairhaven.
Mr. Pontes worked as a machine operator for New England Plastics. John was a member of the Club Madeirense S.S. Sacremento and he enjoyed gardening.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Anthony N. Pontes of New Bedford, Leonard N. Pontes of Fairhaven, and John N. Pontes, Jr. of Sanford, ME; two grandchildren, Jason Pontes and Lisa Melo both of New Bedford; two great grandchildren, Jordan and John Melo.
His funeral will be Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 9 a.m. from the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME at FAIRLAWN, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church, 74 Spring St., Fairhaven. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Main St., Fairhaven. Visitation will be Wednesday 4 to 7 p.m. For online tribute/directions www.waring-sullivan.com.