Antonio Joaquim Dos Santos Monteiro, 77, of Milford, MA passed away unexpectedly on March 15, 2022 at Delray Medical Center in Delray Beach, FL surrounded by his family. Antonio was born in Arcos, Montalegre, Portugal to Maria Dos Santos & Francisco Monteiro in 1944. In the 70’s, with Portugal in the throes of the colonial wars, planning for a future family & sustaining the family farm became an almost impossible feat. Determined to provide for his future family and give his future children the opportunities he didn’t have, Antonio emigrated to Bridgeport, CT in 1973 and soon after married the love of his life, Esperanca Monteiro. He never looked back and with limited English & education he worked various industrial jobs, investing & saving endlessly for his family. “Goza muito e gasta pouco” (enjoy a lot and spend a little) he always would say with a giggle.
He was an honest man committed to his family, coming home every evening with a big smile and a light that would brighten up their world. Anyone who knew Antonio felt his pure heart and kind, light-hearted spirit.When he wasn’t in the home with his family you could find him carefully tending to his yard, or in his lush garden filled with all sorts of vegetables, bike riding or going for very, very, long walks. He had much respect for nature and cared deeply about the betterment of the world. He was a thoughtful, compassionate soul who treated everyone he came across with the same respect. Hailing from a tiny village, deep in the Portuguese mountains, Antonio provided his children with worry-free lives that are filled with opportunity in his adopted home, the United States, and with that, he accomplished his goal in life.
Antonio was predeceased by his mother, Maria Dos Santos, father, Francisco Monteiro, and brother Joao Monteiro. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years and childhood “sweetheart”; Esperanca Monteiro, children; Paul Monteiro, Tony Monteiro, Débora Monteiro, Goddaughter & Niece; Michele Monteiro, nephew; Mark Monteiro, four granddaughters & two great grandsons.
Calling hours will be held Monday, March 21, 2022 from 8:30 to 10:30am at the Consigli-Ruggerio Funeral Home, 46 Water Street in Milford, MA. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 am at the St. Mary of the Assumption Church on Winter Street, Milford, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Antonio’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at the following link: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?frequency_selected=2&sc_icid=faq-donation-memory-text
This charity was dear and near to Antonio’s heart having spent two years as a child in the hospital himself.