John David DelPonti

John David DelPonti, age 87, of Stuart, FL passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 in his home surrounded by his loving family. 

He was born on June 22, 1938 in New York, NY. John was the loving son of Paolina Laboranti and Dominic DelPonte, both of Italy. He spent his younger years growing up in Rockville, CT. John was a four sport athlete playing for the city championship baseball team, High School varsity basketball team (the Yellowjackets ), varsity football team and varsity soccer team. He was also an Honor student who excelled in Mathematics, earning special accolades. John was valedictorian of his Rockville High School graduating class of 1956. He earned an appointment to West Point by ranking first among 119 students who took the competitive examination for two vacancies to be filled. He earned a Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering degree from West Point in 1960.

After graduation, he married the love of his life, Michelle Jane Cullen of Great Neck, NY. During his service with the United States Army, he was stationed in Italy for three years, where he and Michelle began their life together and started their family. He served honorably in the Army attaining the rank of Captain. They loved traveling the Italian countryside in his red MG. Upon returning stateside, John earned his law degree from Georgetown Law in 1968. He was a patent attorney at Pratt and Whitney where he lived in CT with his five children. He and his wife Michelle enjoyed many friends and activities while living in Simsbury. 

As a family, they cherished time spent in Ludlow, VT at their home on Lake Rescue. He loved to challenge his kids racing down Okemo Mountain enjoying friendly competition. Summers were often spent at Hopmeadow Country Club where “Del”, as he was known to his friends and family, enjoyed countless days with his children by the pool, tennis courts and on the golf course, surrounded by those he loved the most. He and his wife Michelle also shared a love of tennis, playing mixed doubles in the summer and paddle tennis together in the winter. He and Michelle later moved to Maryland where he was General Patent Counsel for Black & Decker. 

In his later years, John and Michelle retired to Stuart, FL. He loved playing golf, especially with his son John, Jr. - his forever member-guest partner and winners of many tournaments. John also enjoyed a daily challenge with his sister, Donna, as they tackled The New York Times crossword puzzle together. 

John is predeceased by his loving wife of 65 years Michelle Jane Cullen. He is survived by their five children, Debra D. Finn of Kennebunk, ME, John D. DelPonti, Jr. and his fiancée Margaret Savoia of Palm Beach, FL, Thomas C. DelPonti and his wife Mary Madeline of Palos Verdes Estates, CA, Michael P. DelPonti of Stuart, FL and Kelly D. Poovey and her husband Wade Poovey of McAdenville, NC. He is also survived by his 12 grandchildren Caitlin, Conor, Cullen, Sean, Lacey, Corbin, John Kellan, Claire, Delaney, Trudy, Thomas Jr., Cullen and his nine great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister Donna M. Starke of Naples, FL and his brother Kenneth D. DelPonte and wife Mariane of San Francisco, CA. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews with whom John and Michelle enjoyed many holidays together.

Dad was a salt-of-the-earth man and a true LEGEND! Above all, he was a man of integrity, whose steady presence and strong values touched everyone who knew him.

Pops, enjoy the greens in heaven, we will miss you.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 10:00 am at St. Christoper Catholic Church with Father Aiden Hynes as officiant, 12001 S. Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations in loving memory of John, can be made to St. Christopher Catholic Church in Hobe Sound, FL.

Online condolences and expressions of sympathy can be made by visiting www.Martin-Funeral.com