Donald Charles DalPonte

BESSEMER, Mich. — Donald Charles DalPonte, 83, of Bessemer, died Wednesday, April 13, 2016.

He was born Aug. 27, 1932, in Chicago and resided there until his family moved to Ramsay.

Donald graduated from A.D. Johnston High School, Bessemer, in 1950. After working in Milwaukee for two years, he enlisted with the U.S. Navy and served for four years aboard troop transport ships from Norfolk, Va., to Dover, Del., England, and Bremerhaven, Germany.

In 1957, he began a lifelong pursuit of education, studying at Gogebic Community College, Northern Michigan University, the University of Michigan and Lawrence Technical School.

Donald worked as an architectural draftsman for the state of Michigan, residing in Lansing and Williamston until his retirement. He then moved to Bessemer and made his home there until his passing.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and John DalPonte; his grandparents ,. and numerous aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his sister, Charlotte (Bill) Knaack; two nephews, Joseph (Terri) and James (Jill) Knaack; great-nephews, Andrew (Tami) Knaack and family, and Jeffrey and Jacob Knaack.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, May 5, 2016, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer with Father Antony Lukka as celebrant, assisted by Deacon Chuck Gervasio. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer at a later date.

Arrangements are by the Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood. To view this obituary on-line, visit us at rangefuneralservices.com.