Anthony "Tony" Medeiros

Anthony “Tony” Medeiros joined the angels on April 22, 2023, in his Novato home where he lived for the last 41 years, surrounded by his three children, wife, and additional loved ones. His passing followed a five year battle with a rare neurodegenerative disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, or PSP, which is an atypical form of Parkinson’s, that he bravely fought with exceptional grace. 

Tony was born to Maria Rosa and João Medeiros Paulo on May 15, 1944, in the small village of Achada, São Miguel, in the Azores Islands.  He was the 7th of 8 children with five sisters and two brothers. Tony would often reminisce on all the naughty pranks he and his siblings would play on each other, as well as their father, invoking much laughter during his storytelling. While his family grew up with little means, they made up for it with plenty of love and humor.

As a child, Tony’s favorite thing to do was play soccer with his friends. As a young boy he would wake up between 3 and 4 in the morning and would work all day in the fields, tending to the cattle, milking the cows, and tilling the ground, getting it ready for seasonal planting. At the age of 19, Tony was drafted into the Portuguese Army, moving to mainland Portugal, serving until the age 24. Tony spent two of those years stationed in Angola, Africa.

After returning to Achada, Tony fell in love with Zoraida and married her at the age of 25. Shortly thereafter, the two of them moved to the United States, ultimately settling in Marin County, California, where he and Zoraida proudly raised their three children, Mauricio, Dina, and Paulina. 

Tony was an exceptional craftsman. He was more than just a carpenter; he was an artist, and his medium was wood. Not only was carpentry his occupation, but his passion and his gift to his community. He crafted the most incredible pieces out of redwood, oak, pine, and cedar. Tony was very involved with Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church, singing in the choir for over 25 years. He was also deeply involved in the I.D.E.S.I. Portuguese Hall, an organization made up of Portuguese immigrant settlers, who developed this club to preserve their culture and celebrate their traditions.  As a contribution to the organization, he served as their president from 1985 to 1989, and held many other positions in the cabinet. In addition to singing in the church choir, Tony played the cymbals in the Portuguese Lusitania Band.  His legacy lives on in the craftsmanship of the beautifully designed church signs, constructed statue stands for the Holy Ghost feasts, and in beautiful furniture pieces, planter boxes, fireplace mantles, decks, and other decorative embellishments he built for his children, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

More than a craftsman and community member, Tony was a family man. Nothing made him smile, that big beautiful smile of his, more than his children and grandchildren; he especially adored his eight grandchildren. He loved listening to their silly stories, feeding them as babies, attending their sporting events, and teaching them how to fish. He was devoted to helping his children whenever there was a need, including taking them to ongoing, lengthy out of town appointments. He loved his family and often showed it by helping them in any way he could. Tony, at his core, was a giver and a helper. 

When Tony wasn't engaged in community obligations or family events and  responsibilities, he was fishing. That man LOVED to fish! It brought him great joy to be out in nature, conversing with a friend, and bringing home the catch of the day. 

Tony is survived by his wife Zoraida, whom he was married to for 53 years; their son Mauricio Medeiros, and granddaughters Rhiannon and Gwendolyn; daughter Dina Lloyd, son-in-law David Lloyd, and grandsons Jordan, Nicholas, Tristan, and Samuel; daughter Paulina Telderer, son-in-law Jonathan Telderer, and grandsons Caleb and Jacob; and many nieces and nephews, at home and abroad.

Tony Medeiros’ service will be held at Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church, at 1806 Novato Blvd., Novato, CA 94947, on May 4, 2023. Rosary and viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. 

In lieu of gift and flowers, please consider donating to PSP.org

          Tony will be incredibly missed.