Antonio M. DaPonte, 86, died unexpectedly, but peacefully, at Charlton Memorial Hospital on Friday, April 19th 2013. The widow of Ilda (Arruda) DaPonte, Antonio was born on February 7, 1927 in Santo Antonio alem Capelas, Sao Miguel, Acores. Although his name was Antonio, he was known as "Tio Cristiano" to most of his family and friends. At the young age of one, he moved to Santa Barbara, Sao Miguel, Acores, where he lived until he emigrated to Fall River with his family in 1968. Mr. DaPonte and his wife were the proud parents of ten children. He is survived by three daughters: Maria DoCarmo and her husband Eduardo Silva, Maria DosAnjos and her husband Tiago Medeiros and Hilda and her husband Tomas Ferreira, all of Fall River. Mr. DaPonte also leaves behind five sons: Cristiano and his wife Lidia DaPonte, from Fall River, CSM Manuel and his wife Barbara DaPonte, from Westport, Jose DaPonte of Columbus, GA, Antonio DaPonte of Dartmouth, and George DaPonte of Tampa, FL. He was also the father of the late Rosa Maria Vultao and Jordao DaPonte. "Vavo Antonio" was what his 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren lovingly called him. Antonio was the brother of the late Conceicao Couto and Maria Lourdes Medeiros. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Mr. DaPonte and his wife, Ilda, were married in 1950. Antonio was grateful for the family and life he and his wife were able to create. Antonio and Ilda proudly took the Oath of Citizenship and became United States Citizens in the 1990's. After retiring, Antonio spent most of his time being the main caregiver for his loving wife. Ilda and Antonio were a perfect match because what she lacked in memory from Alzheimer's, he more than made up for. He could recollect conversations, famous quotes and other memorable moments, even though they may have taken place decades ago. Despite only attending public school until he was in the third grade, Mr. DaPonte had so much knowledge. He was the best at making up rhymes and songs, especially about his family and closest friends. Antonio also had a green thumb and loved spending hours in his garden. Upon stepping into his yard in the summer, you were immediately surrounded by a multitude of flowers and plants. Sixty-three years after saying "I do", the DaPontes are once again reunited, in heaven. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday April 23, in Espirito Santo Church followed by his committal at St. Patrick Cemetery.