Julius P. Pontes

Julius Pontes, age 69, passed away peacefully at his Westford home on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, surrounded by his small, but very devoted family. Over the course of Julius’ several year journey through the various stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, he fought with courage, determination and love in his heart.

A quiet man of principle, Julius dedicated his life to his faith, his family and his craft.

Let’s start with his faith. Julius was raised by his parents, Thomas and Filipinha in New Delhi, India. The small, devout Catholic community in New Delhi was a tight knit group, comprised primarily of Portuguese families. Julius attended Mass every Sunday and many times during the week. He was an altar server and attended a Christian Brother's school, St. Colomba’s, where his commitment to the church grew even stronger. He’d always say, “The focus of Christmas should be on the celebration of the birth of Christ, not on presents, “I was happy to get a shirt!” Julius loved the Blessed Trinity clergy and staff. Whenever he attended Mass, he’d choose the same seat, close to the front, where he might catch the attention of Father Peter or Father Joe, for a quick chat and a blessing. He’d quietly say his prayers, every night, until his disease prevented him from remembering the words. But, somehow, we know that even though we couldn’t hear the words, he still prayed until his last day.

Next, family. Julius loved his family with a full range of emotions. When he shouted, it wasn’t in anger, it was with a care deeper than the deepest ocean; when he hugged, he did so with sincerity and with a warmth and tenderness that made you feel safe. He’d go to the ends of the earth to protect those he loved and bragged every chance he got, to anyone who would listen about his son and his wife. Julius was selfless like no other…never buying anything for himself, constantly making an extra mortgage payment or saving for an expensive college education. Again, it was always about taking care of his family. One of his favorite family moments was the day in May, 1994, when he became a U.S citizen. It was a dream come true and a day made even more perfect with his family by his side.

Finally, his craft. Julius loved to cook and some would say he had a God given talent for making people happy simply by feeding them. After attending culinary school in India, Julius traveled the world fine tuning his art. Before coming to the USA in 1982, he worked in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Switzerland, France and England. Along the way, he had some memorable experiences: staging at Paul Bocuse’s restaurant in Lyon France, just for the chance of working with a Michelin Star Chef and carving tenderloin at Charles and Diana’s wedding reception (incidentally, he tried to sneak out an empty bottle of their custom labeled champagne, but it was quickly absconded by Scotland Yard.)

Once in the USA, Julius quickly moved up the culinary ladder, working primarily in hotel kitchens. In 1987, he accepted his first Executive Chef position. He had a reputation for being a tough boss, always serious about his craft and the quality of the food his teams produced. He held Executive Chef positions with Marriott International, The Beechwood Hotel Worcester, Radisson Boston and Nashawtuc Country Club, among others. Julius’ love of cooking extended well beyond the confines of the professional kitchens he oversaw. Nothing brought him greater joy than being at home, preparing a favorite Portuguese recipe of his mother’s or baking a special birthday cake for a dear family member. Julius was inducted into the Escoffier Society New England Chapter in 2002 because of his commitment to his profession.

Julius’ family would particularly like to thank the entire team of medical professionals at Care Dimensions Hospice. For four years, a cadre of loving CNA’s, nurses, doctors, social workers, music therapists, chaplains and volunteers came together to provide impeccable care to both Julius and his family. We could not of survived without their genuine compassion, patience and understanding.

In addition to his wife, Lori, Julius is survived by his son, Thomas Pontes of TN and his partner, Aimee Knight of SC; his sister, Maria Roy of India; his mother-in-law, Evelyn Petosa of CT; his sister-in-law, Gina Tyros and her husband Charles of Chelmsford; his nieces, Carolina Roy of India and Kaila Tyros of Chelmsford.

Per Julius’ wishes, all services were held privately. Burial took place in St. Catherine Cemetery, Westford. Donations may be made in Julius’ memory to either the Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 or to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.