George Da Ponte, 57, born in Fall River, passed away unexpectedly at HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital in Tampa, Florida, on May 7, 2026.  He was the beloved son of the late Antonio and Ilda (Arruda) DaPonte.

George was a devoted brother to Maria DoCarmo Silva and her husband, Eduardo; Maria Dos Anjos Medeiros and her husband, Tiago; Manuel Da Ponte and his wife, Barbara; Jose Da Ponte and his wife, Mary; Antonio Da Ponte; and Hilda Ferreira and her husband, Tomas. He was predeceased by his siblings Rosa Vultao, Cristiano DaPonte and his wife, Lidia, and Jordao DaPonte.

To his many nieces and nephews, especially his great-nieces and great-nephews, George was affectionately known as "The Funcle," (fun uncle) a title he embraced.  He had a special ability to make everyone laugh and enjoy themselves.

Always the most loved person in the room, George's friends in Tampa became his extended family.  They were always there to check in on him and loved George as one of their own, sharing an incredible bond.

George was the first member of his family to graduate from college, earning a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.  During his studies, he spent two semesters abroad in Barcelona, Spain, an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for international travel, culture, and connection.

He later moved to Washington, D.C., where he obtained a master's in International Studies from American University.  George went on to build an incredible career in higher education, eventually serving as Director of International Admissions at the University of Tampa.  His work took him across the globe, allowing him to connect with students and communities from countless cultures and backgrounds.

George visited 99 countries, a testament to his adventurous spirit and endless curiosity about the world.  His passport was well-worn, and every destination added another story, another friendship, and another treasured memory.  He loved sharing tales of his travels and adventures with family and friends, collecting meaningful moments and cultural connections everywhere he went.

He was fluent in Portuguese and Spanish, well-versed in many Middle Eastern languages.  George was always eager to learn new words and phrases from the people he met, making others feel welcomed and understood.

Though he traveled the world, George also found the most joy in the comforts of home.  He loved his house and looked forward to FaceTiming family in Fall River to show off his collections and the beautiful flowers blooming in his courtyard.  He connected daily with his family and friends, and those calls are now cherished memories.

George will be remembered for his intelligence, humor, generosity, curiosity, and deep love.  He had a profound gift for human connection.  He will be forever missed.

Relatives and Friends are invited to attend his Calling Hours to be held in Silva-Faria Funeral Home, 730 Bedford Street, Fall River, on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

His Funeral will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 8:30 am from the Silva-Faria Funeral Home, 730 Bedford St, Fall River, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be offered in Espirito Santo Church at 9:30 am. Cremation to follow with private committal of cremains at a later time in St. Patrick Cemetery.

To ensure that the family receives all online condolences you may wish to share, please submit only to the funeral home's website [ www.silvafaria.com  at "Sign Guestbook" or "Send Sympathy Card"] and not through a third party. Thank you!

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in George's memory to Alzheimer's Association MA/NH Chapter, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460; 800-272-3900; https://www.alz.org/

OR

American Heart Association, PO Box 417005 Boston, MA 02241-7005; 800-242-8721; www.heart.org