Former State Sen. Thomas J. “Rocky” DaPonte, 74, of Surf Drive, a retired businessman, sheriff, church and civic leader, died on June 21, 2016 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Dianne Harper DaPonte.

Born in Bristol, he was the son of the late Antonio and Jessie (Chaves) DaPonte. Graduating from Colt Memorial High School in 1958, Tom underwent Marine Corps training at Parris Island. He then joined his father and uncles at DaPonte Brothers Furniture in Warren, becoming sole owner of the business in 1971.

Tom began a second career in law enforcement as a sheriff in Newport until his retirement in 2010. During this time, he received a bachelor’s degree in jurisprudence from Roger Williams University. He was an avid rugby player for the Providence Rugby Club, touring England with the team. He was a communicant and lector at St Elizabeth Church where he helped organize many annual retreats.

Tom served Bristol as a senator, focusing on educational issues, and then as a member of the Bristol Town Council. He later served for many years on the school committee. He was a former president of the Lions Club of Bristol and the Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation. Tom was also a member of the Prince Henry Club, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, member of the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce, Past Vice President of Bristol Jaycees, and a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus. As a Rhode Island Special Olympics volunteer, he coached many participants, including his son Jonathan, in several events.

He leaves a daughter, Amanda; 3 sons, Robert, Jonathan and Joshua, and Joshua’s wife Elizabeth. He was the brother of Anthony DaPonte, Mary Haddad, Martha Gagnon, Madeline Norton and the late Frances DaPonte

His funeral will be held Saturday, June 25 at 10 a.m., from the George Lima Funeral Home, 367 High St., with a Mass of Christian Burial, 11 a.m. at St Elizabeth Church, 577 Wood St. Burial will be private. Calling hours are Friday, 4-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Saint Elizabeth Church 577 Wood St., Bristol, RI 02809; Rhode Island Special Olympics, 370 George Washington Hwy #1, Smithfield, RI 02917; and Hope Hospice and Palliative Care of Rhode Island,1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904.

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