WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Chester “Chet” John DalPonte, age 90, of Three Rivers passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. He was born on January 20, 1924 in Three Rivers, MI the son of Valentino and Elizabeth (Grazian) DalPonte.
Chet was a 1943 graduate of Three Rivers High School. Following his graduation, he honorably served our country through his military service in the United States Navy as a First Class Motor Machinist during World War II from 1943 until his discharge in 1945. He was later united in marriage to Florence (Sangalli) DalPonte on January 19, 1957 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Three Rivers, where they remained lifelong and faithful members. He retired from Armstrong International after 45 years of employment. Chet was passionate about community and civic service, and was a member of the American Legion Hice Shutes Post #170, where he served as past Post Commander and Military Honors Firing Squad for 69 years. He was also a proud member of the Three Rivers B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge # 1248, and the Knights of Columbus for more sixty-two years.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Frank, Jack, and Peter DalPonte, and one sister, Mary.
Chet leaves to cherish his loving memory a wonderful wife of fifty-seven years, Florence DalPonte, of Three Rivers; two daughters, Patti DalPonte-Scott, of Portage, MI, and Mary (Jerry) Kandlestorfer, of Marcellus, MI.; one brother, James (Jeanette) DalPonte, of Three Rivers; four grandchildren, Stephanie (John) Gonda, Kristy (Kathryn Tapper) Scott, Lauren (Kevin) Copenhaver, and Karen (Jason) Kandlstorfer-Chaffee; great-grandchildren, Gabrielle Gonda, Fischer Chaffee, Kyler and Brynn Copenhaver. Along with many special nieces and nephews and friends.
The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015 at the Hohner Funeral Home with Rosary service starting at 6:30 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Fr. Mathew Manilel and Monsignor Mike Hazard as celebrants. Military Honors will be presented following services at the church.
Memorial donations may be directed to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or Southwest Michigan Hospice. Envelopes available at Hohner Funeral Home in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.hohnerfh.com.
