Diamantino Assuncao

Diamantino Assuncao, 90, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026.

Diamantino was born in Loule, Portugal on June 6, 1935, to Jose and Maria Assuncao. In 1951, at just 16 years old, he immigrated to the United States and began building a life defined by determination, hard work, and devotion to family.

He began working in construction shortly after arriving in the United States. In 1958, alongside his brother Manuel Assuncao, he founded Assuncao Brothers Inc., a construction company built through years of dedication, hard work, and commitment to providing for his family.

In 1953 he met the love of his life, Rose Alba, and they were married in 1958. Together they built a strong and loving family that remained the center of his life.

Diamantino was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who worked tirelessly to ensure his family was always cared for. He made it clear through both his actions and his words that his family always came first.

He enjoyed traveling with his wife and children and took them on many family vacations over the years, creating cherished memories and experiences they will always remember. Time spent with family in Portugal also brought him great joy, where many special memories were shared with his children and later with his grandchildren.

He loved watching his favorite baseball team, the New York Yankees, tending to his fruit and vegetable gardens and also took great pride in caring for his orange grove in Florida. He often shared the harvest by sending oranges to friends and loved ones. He became known as “The Orange Man”

Diamantino treasured time spent with his brothers, Manuel and Helder Assuncao, and with close friends, sharing stories of their lives and laughing together over the many memories they created.

To his grandchildren, he was lovingly known as Vovo, and each of them carries special memories of time spent with him filled with laughter, warmth, and love.

He is survived by his wife, Rosa Simmons; his children Maryjo Assuncao, Jean Assuncao, and her husband, Rui Ponte, Jane Bannister, and her husband, Barry Bannister, and Martin Assuncao, and his wife, Lisa Assuncao; his brother Helder Assuncao; his grandchildren John Vargo, Michael Vargo, Grant Bannister, Claire Bannister, Rui Alexandre Ponte, Sofia Ponte, Melissa Assuncao, and Julia Nicolakakis; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rose (Alba) Assuncao, and his brother Manuel Assuncao.

Visitation will be held at Gosselin Funeral Home on March 12, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at St. John Vianney Church, 420 Inman Avenue, Colonia, NJ, on March 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM, with Father John Siceloff officiating. Burial will follow at St. Gertrude Cemetery, 53 Inman Ave., Colonia, NJ. 

Diamantino will be remembered for his strength, generosity, and deep love for his family. His life was a testament to hard work, family, and love, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. The love he gave and the memories he created will remain with his family always.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blood Cancer United

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