2
trees
planted in memory of Antonio Barbosa Da Silva
Obituary for Antonio Barbosa Da Silva
Antonio Barbosa Da Silva, 86, of Ludlow passed away on December 5th at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 12, 1935 in Braga, Portugal, to the late Jose Da Silva and Rosa (Barbosa) Da Silva. Antonio entered and served in the Portuguese army in 1955. Antonio emigrated to Paris, France in 1963, then on to Belville, Ontario, Canada in 1966. He then moved his family to the United States in May of 1970, settling in Ludlow. He went to work for Chmura's Bakery at the request of Mitch Chmura, who along with his brother Steve, encouraged Antonio to move to the States to work in their family bakery. Antonio learned the art of baking at the tender age of 11 in Portugal. Tony was a devout communicant of Our Lady of Fatima Parish. He was also a longstanding member of both the Gremio Lusitano Club, and of the now dissolved Portuguese American Citizens Club. Tony was affectionately known to family and friends as 'Barbosa'. Tony was known for his overwhelming compassion and generosity, who helped many in need find employment while in France, and later in Ludlow. He and his wife Rosa would often open their home to anyone in need of food or shelter until they were able to find suitable housing for themselves and their family. While living in Canada, Tony attended night school to learn to read, write, and speak English in 1969. His certificate still hangs proudly on his living room wall. In the early 1970's, Tony and Rosa achieved their own American dream and opened their own business, 'Portuguese-American Bakery', located on Lakeview Avenue in Ludlow. He helped many people wishing to immigrate to the United States with employment, housing, and anything they may have needed to have a better life here in America. He was known for his incredible work ethic and honest, kind hearted nature. Back then, a firm handshake and your word was all that was needed to conduct business with Tony. Tony was incredibly proud of his community, and was always incredibly generous, donating baked goods to anyone who was in need of assistance. Upon selling the bakery in 1985, he and his wife Rosa, spent the next several years traveling Europe, the Caribbean, and much of the United States. In his later years, Tony constructed a brick oven in his backyard where he would continue to pursue his love of baking on a more intimate level for family and close friends. If you were fortunate enough to stop by on a day when he was baking, you would be invited to sit and eat, sometimes against your will, to have seconds or thirds before being sent home with a generous bundle to enjoy with your family the next day, or several days thereafter. Tony's favorite pastry to bake were apple turnovers and turning down seconds was never an option. Tony loved tending to his many fruit and chestnut trees, vegetable garden, and grape vines, perpetually sharing his harvest with family and friends. Tony was incredibly fond of sharing his homemade wine. Often enjoying a cup (or six) with family and friends while listening to or watching his beloved Futebol Clube de Porto. A bigger, more passionate fan would be difficult to find. Tony was always smiling, and his infectious laugh could often be heard while rounding the house and making your way to the back door for a visit. Nothing however, would compare to the love and adoration of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Barbosa will be dearly missed by Rosa, his loving wife and best friend of 63 years, who cared for him tenderly in his final two years. He will be dearly missed by his children, Yvonne Santos and husband Valdemar (Valdy), their sons, Marc, Gregory and wife Kimberly. Antonio and wife Anamaria, and their children Nicole Kelliher, her husband Alan, Jake and his son Antonio. Anna Porra and husband Michael, children Dylan Lucas, Stacy Koldy and husband Brian and their daughter Willow Grace, Desiree Porra, and son Darrian Ferreira, and Peter Porra. Alexander and wife Beatrice, and their children David Da Silva, his wife Filipa, and their children Marina Rose and Lucas David, Aimee Fonte, her husband David, and their children Dominic Alexander and Vivienne Lynn. Antonio is survived by one sister, Elvira Fonseca of Porto, Portugal and was predeceased by his brothers Jose, and Joao Da Silva, his sisters Teresa Antunes, AnaMaria Pereira and many nieces and nephews and extended family in Europe, Canada, and the United States. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his granddaughters Nicole and Kimberly for assisting him in his final days. The family would also like to thank Baystate hospice for their incredible services, his nursing and care team, Becca and Ruby.
Visiting hours for Antonio will be held on Sunday, December 12th from 2:00-5:00pm in Ludlow Funeral Home. Funeral Services are on Monday, December 13th at 9:00am from the funeral home with Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00am in Our Lady of Fatima Church followed by burial in Island Pond Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Antonio’s memory to St. Jude Children's Hospital (stjude.org)
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Visiting hours for Antonio will be held on Sunday, December 12th from 2:00-5:00pm in Ludlow Funeral Home. Funeral Services are on Monday, December 13th at 9:00am from the funeral home with Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00am in Our Lady of Fatima Church followed by burial in Island Pond Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Antonio’s memory to St. Jude Children's Hospital (stjude.org)
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Previous Events
Visitation
Sunday
12
Dec
2:00 PM
- 5:00 PM
Ludlow Funeral Home
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Service
Monday
13
Dec
9:00 AM
Ludlow Funeral Home
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Funeral Liturgy
Monday
13
Dec
10:00 AM
Our Lady of Fatima Parish
438 Winsor Street
Ludlow, MA 01056
Cemetery Details
Location
Island Pond Cemetery
499 Center Street
Ludlow, Ma 01056
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