Antonio Coelho

Antonio (Tony) C. Coelho, Jr., 89, of Tiverton, R.I., passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, at Rhode Island Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of the late Frances (Goulart) Coelho, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage.

Born in Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel, Azores, Tony was the son of the late Antonio C. Coelho Sr. and his wife Jovina Oliveira Coelho. Bright, accepted to higher learning in Portugal, and hardworking. At age 15, his mother arranged for him to emigrate to Bristol, Rhode Island, which included secured employment and residency at the Toste Dairy Farm. He then journeyed 18 days of stormy seas to begin his new adventure in America. At the farm, he met the love of his life, married, and later raised 7 children.

Tony's career reflected his lifelong dedication to dairy farming and landscaping. He began at Toste Dairy Farm in Bristol and then worked at Hob Nob Guernsey Farm in New Hampshire. Returning to Rhode Island, he co-owned a dairy farm in Bristol. In 1968, he settled on his farm in Tiverton. Afterwards, for 32 years he worked as a heavy equipment operator with Bristol Lawns and later opened his lawn-care business. He raised beef cattle locally until the age of 82, retiring to care for his ailing wife.

A man of faith, family was at the heart of Tony's life. He is survived by his seven children: Anthony (Maria) Coelho, Madeline (Dennis) Brumley, Leanora (William) Graves, Michael Coelho, Pauline (Steve) Morin, Mark (Tammy) Coelho, and Frances Coelho.

He was the proud grandfather of 14: Anthony Coelho, Holly Coelho-Chase; Eric Brumley; Justin, Joel, and Chanel Graves; Mitchell, Dylan, and Shaina Morin; Amanda and Mark David Coelho; and Lucas, Jacob, and Caleb Munafo. Great-grandfather of 9: Aydan Coelho; Autumn and Hannah Brumley; Cecelia Bonas-Graves; Hazel and Wyatt Graves; Ryder Morin; Armand Jusseaume; and Westin Coelho. He also leaves behind his sisters, Madeline Toste, Mary Angel Coelho, and his sister-in-law, Connie Coelho.

He was predeceased by his brother Charles M. Coelho, brother-in-law George Toste, and son-in-law David Munafo.

Tony will be fondly remembered for his strong work ethic and devotion to his family. His children will remember his many words of wisdom: "Buy land." "Do you know where you stand? On your own two feet." Passed on his gardening "tricks" and his sense of humor. "If you're going to do a job, do it right, so you don't have to do it again." He passed on his love for music, singing, playing the accordion, and harmonica.

His grandchildren will always remember gathering moss for his yearly Christmas manger display, teaching them land navigation, lassoing one another and farming, the joy of fresh Portuguese bread he delivered, didn't like holes in clothes or shoes, so he threw shoes in the pond, his love of Westerns and classic country music, wearing "Old Spice" cologne to his lawn jobs, sleeping in the tub for hours and hearing his nightly prayers.

Calling hours will be Friday, October 3, from 4 to 8 p.m. at George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High Street, Bristol, RI. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 4, from 8:30 to 9:30 AM at the George C. Lima Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at St. Elizabeth's Church, 577 Wood Street, Bristol, RI. Burial will follow at North Burial Ground, Colt State Park, Bristol, RI. www.limafh.com

Memorial contributions may be made to the James L. Maher Center, a non-profit org., where his son, Michael, has attended for 50 years, 906 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown, RI 02842, or online at www.mahercenter.org