Services announced for Fall River bakery owner killed in Seekonk highway crash

Services have been announced for a well-known Fall River man killed in a highway crash on Tuesday.

According to Massachusetts State Police Trooper James DeAngelis, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Troopers responded to Route 195 eastbound at mile marker 1.6 in Seekonk for reports of a serious crash.

Upon their arrival, they discovered a GMC Sierra that had struck a median barrier and was actively engulfed in flames.

Family members say 37-year-old Joshua Ponte was CEO, founder, and co-owner of Modern Ponte’s Bakery on Rodman Street, died in the collision.

Fall River Reporter asked a family member what people should know about Ponte besides his great work at the bakery.

“He was the highlight of every family event we had. Always so happy, kind to everyone, hard worker, would do absolutely anything for his loved ones and even friends. He didn’t have a single bad bone in his body. If you were a stranger and he met you for the first time, he’d treat you as if he’s known you forever. He never singled anyone out no matter who you were. This loss our family is suffering is a tough one that we’ll never be able to fully recover from. Our hearts are completely shattered over this tragedy.”

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Calling Hours with Funeral Service to be held in Silva-Faria Funeral Home, 730 Bedford Street, Fall River, on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Private cremation arrangements will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joshua’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; 800-805-5856; https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.htm

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.