Anthony R. Mendonsa

1926 - 2017

Anthony R. Mendonsa
formerly of Tyngsborough, MA; 90

Anthony "Tony" R. Mendonsa, 90, of Pompano Beach, Florida (formerly of Tyngsborough, MA) passed away peacefully at his home on May 18, 2017.

Tony was born on July 30, 1926 in Lowell, MA, the eleventh of twelve children born to Ana and Antonio Mendonsa. His parents emigrated from the Azores to the United States between 1899 and 1902 - in later years neither of them was sure of the exact dates of their arrival. Portuguese was the main language spoken at home. He attended Keith Academy in Lowell thanks to a scholarship arranged by a priest at St. Anthony's church, and graduated in 1944. Tony also enlisted in the Navy in 1944 and served aboard PT boats in the Pacific until his discharge in 1946. Upon his return from the war, he used the GI Bill to enroll in Lowell Commercial College and earned a degree in Accounting. While at Lowell Commercial College, he met and fell in love with his wife, Muriel P. (Keefe) Mendonsa. They were married in October of 1950.

Tony worked for 44 years at the Lowell Sun. He began his career as a delivery truck driver and then moved on to the composing room. He was eventually promoted to Assistant Foreman in the composing room, then Foreman, and ultimately becoming the Production Manager of the paper. During his time at the Sun he saw many changes to the newspaper and the newspaper industry. He managed the conversion from "hot type" to "cold type" in 1973 and was present in August of 1978 when the Sun celebrated its 100th birthday. He retired in 1991 and a few years later he and Muriel relocated to Pompano Beach, Florida where they enjoyed walking on the beach, taking cruises, and generally relaxing.

Tony is survived by his son Anthony M. and his wife Kori of Melrose, his sister Adeline of Andover and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Muriel (Keefe) in February of 2014.

MENDONSA -- A memorial mass celebrating his life will be held on Saturday June 24th at 10 AM at St. Anthony's Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell, MA.