Pontes, Dennis J.

Dennis J. Pontes, 81, of East Hartford, CT, loving husband of Kathleen (Schmidt) Pontes for 45 years, passed away on February 14, 2023 at Manchester Memorial Hospital. He was born in Fall River, MA on August 10, 1941 to the late Clara (Ferris) and Manuel Pontes. Along with his wife Kathleen, he leaves his son, Jason Pontes, his wife, Heather and their children Hawkins and Jude of Columbus, Georgia and his daughter Denise and her husband Grady Woodham and their daughter, Sophia of Salem, Alabama. He also leaves his sister, Rosemary Ouellette of Fall River, MA, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Robert and Norman Pontes, both of Fall River. Dennis was a member of the Air Force for 5 years and served in Vietnam. Dennis worked in the restaurant industry for many years, primarily as a bartender at Willie's Steak House, Manchester Country Club and Holiday Lanes in Manchester, where he befriended many patrons. Dennis was a highly skilled bowler and enjoyed competing in the Nick Tronsky and Hartford County Bowling Leagues. He was a major contributor to the Duckpin Professional Bowlers Association and the Pro Tour, serving as past president of the DPBA for many years. He was a DPBA Hall of Fame member and a Frank Turner Lifetime Achievement recipient. Dennis was also a member of the CT BAC Hall of Fame. Numerous bowlers commented that Dennis encouraged them with his cheering behind the lanes, bringing out the best in them. Calling Hours for Dennis will be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford, Connecticut, 06108. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Rose Church, 33 Church St., East Hartford, Connecticut, 06108. (Please go directly to Church). A Committal Service will be held Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Cemetery, 930 Burnside Ave., East Hartford, CT. Casual clothing is acceptable. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NewkirkandWhitney.com for the Pontes family. Memorial donations may be made in Dennis's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105. www. stjude.org