Anthony Barcellos

April 4, 1951 - June 27, 2024

Davis, California - Anthony (Tony) Barcellos passed away peacefully at Mercy San Juan Medical Center on Thursday, June 27 at the age of 73. Tony died of complications from a stroke.

Tony was born to parents Anthony and Mary Barcellos in Porterville, California on April 4, 1951. He was raised on the family dairy farm founded by his immigrant grandfather and spoke Portuguese as his first language.

Tony's intellect was evident from an early age, and he graduated with honors from Porterville High School in 1969. He graduated with his associates degree from Porterville College in 1971, his bachelor's degree in mathematics from the California Institute of Technology in 1973, and his master's degree in mathematics from California State University, Fresno, in 1974.

In summer 1974, Tony moved to Davis to begin work on his doctorate in mathematics at University of California, Davis. He was also a student math instructor while there and won accolades for his teaching.

In the late 1970s, Tony branched out into journalism and government. He worked as a science reporter at the Albuquerque Journal newspaper during the summer of 1978. When progress on his doctorate stalled the next year, Tony became a California Senate Fellow in the office of Senator Albert S. Rodda of Sacramento.

When Senator Rodda was defeated for re-election in 1980, Tony went with Rodda to the newly formed Commission on State Finance in early 1981. Tony worked there for six years while also teaching at night as a math instructor at Cosumnes River College.

Tony become a full-time math instructor at American River College in August 1987, where he taught until his death. He quickly became popular and highly regarded by students and faculty; he won the campus Instructor of the Year award in 1996 and the Los Rios Community College District Patrons Chair Award in 2014.

When Tony turned 50 in 2001, he went back to school to get his Ph.D. in Math Education from UC Davis, which he earned in 2005. The title of his doctoral dissertation was Mathematical Misconceptions of College-Age Algebra Students.

Tony enjoyed both math and writing. He wrote several calculus books including his last book A Stroll Through Calculus in 2015, which is a calculus primer for non-STEM majors. The book is currently used in a non-STEM calculus course at Brigham Young University-Idaho.

Tony was proud of his Portuguese heritage, and in 2009 he wrote a roman à clef novel based on his experiences on the family dairy farm. In 2012, Tagus Press published the book with the title Land of Milk and Money. The book was hailed as one of the finest expressions of the Portuguese immigrant experience in California.

Tony is preceded in death by his father Antonio. Though Tony leaves behind no spouse or children, he was a friend and mentor to many in Sacramento, Davis, and beyond. He is deeply loved and missed by his mother Mary, younger siblings Mary, Tom, and Eric, numerous nieces and nephews, his colleagues, many students, and his countless friends.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Aug. 4, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Barcellos

10 Entries

H. James Harpet

February 16, 2025

Tony was an outstanding community college educator and author. His work earlier at the California State Legislature and State Treasurers Office was an important contribution to public policy and finance.

Alexander Le

December 17, 2024

Professor Barcellos was one of my dearest friends and greatest mentors. I came to him for help with math after going through a major depressive episode where I almost took my own life. He helped me slowly get my bearings and get back into math. I'm proud to say I'm doing much better since then and he will have a place in my heart as the guy who made math enjoyable. He nurtured my curiosity and entertained my passions, all while helping me adapt to the rigors of calculus and proof writing.

Millicent Borges Accardi

August 26, 2024

My condolences to the Barcellos family. Anthony was a dear friend, and we were proud to host him at a number Kale Soup for the Soul (Portuguese -American literary readings) events where he always brightened the room, whether it was at the Portuguese Consulate in SF or Heritage Park, he lit up the room with his stories, warmth and sense of humor.
Millicent Borges Accardi

Carrie Hennessey

August 5, 2024

Anthony held a special place in my life and in the arts scene in Sacramento! His joy for the music was palpable and even more when the music included clever jokes! He is missed.

H. James Harper

August 4, 2024

I first met Tony Barcellos when he worked for Ca. State Senator Albert Rodda and I was also working around the State Capitol lobbying for education issues. Later we both went into teaching, a subject we discussed. Tony was an outstanding community college math teacher. He is missed by the weekly lunch group we both attended.

Christopher William Caudill

July 25, 2024

To the family, friends, and vast community of students touched by Professor Anthony Barcellos,

With a heavy heart, I write this tribute to a remarkable educator who profoundly impacted my life and the lives of countless students over his 30-year tenure at American River College. Professor Barcellos was not just a Calculus 3 instructor; he was a beacon of inspiration who illuminated the beauty of mathematics for generations of learners who passed through his classroom.

As we filed into his lecture hall, I remember being greeted by the soothing strains of his choice of classical music for that day. Professor Barcellos would begin each class by sharing insights about the composer or the piece's historical context. He would also have a news article or historical information displayed on the projector screen, which he would use to give a synopsis of math's important role in the world. His classroom was a pleasant way to start an early morning multivariable calculus course. His style seamlessly blended culture with calculus. His approach to teaching went far beyond equations and formulas; he wove mathematics into the rich tapestry of human history and achievement.

Professor Barcellos took great pride in his Portuguese heritage, often playfully remarking, "And they said a Portuguese couldn't do math!" His wit and humor made complex concepts more approachable, and his passion for mathematics and cultural background were infectious.

My last conversation with Professor Barcellos showcased his warmth and genuine interest in his students' lives. We connected over our shared appreciation for Portuguese baking. He even expressed excitement at the prospect of trying some of the sweet bread my family bakes during the holiday, during the Fall semester. It was a reminder of how he always found ways to connect with his students on a personal level, bridging cultures and generations through shared experiences.

What truly set Professor Barcellos apart was his dedication to fostering mathematical literacy. If you were to ask his past students, they would remember the essay assignment in a math course. In all of his courses, he assigned an essay on a reading from books on mathematics. This unique approach exposed me to mathematics's beauty and broader context beyond mere problem-solving. The assignment was the catalyst for the extensive set of books I have on the topic. As an accomplished author of numerous books himself, including "A Stroll Through Calculus," Professor Barcellos understood the importance of mathematical literacy, striving to make math intuitive and instill appreciation in all his students.

His ability to build intuition for three-dimensional space was unparalleled. As a future electrical engineer, I cannot overstate the importance of this skill he helped me develop. His teachings have laid a foundation to support my career for years. And over the past three decades, the same is true for thousands of other students.

As a junior college math professor, Tony occupied a unique position. He witnessed firsthand how many college students were apprehensive about math, believing it was too difficult or having been told they weren't good at it. In conversations, he expressed deep frustration with those who discouraged students from pursuing mathematics, firmly believing in every student's potential to succeed. His position at American River College allowed him to repair the damage to students' confidence and prepare them for careers and future math courses they might have never attempted. ARC's structures courses to meet requirements from Ivy League institutions. Many of his students, myself included, would not have been able to make that transition without Professor Barcellos' unwavering support and passion for teaching. His ability to nurture talent and rebuild mathematical confidence was transformative, opening doors many of us thought were forever closed.

Professor Barcellos' legacy will live on through the countless students he has inspired and the love for mathematics he has instilled in us over his 30 years at American River College. Because of his guidance and his unwavering belief in our potential, we are all better thinkers, problem-solvers, readers, and individuals.

To Professor Barcellos:
Thank you for the music that greeted us each morning, the historical and cultural insights that broadened our perspectives, and for showing us the profound beauty of education. Your dedication to fostering mathematical literacy, creative teaching methods, and unwavering belief in every student's potential have opened doors many of us thought were closed. Your foundation will continue to support my career and enrich my life for years to come. Your legacy of inspiration, compassion, and mathematical wonder will live on through all the students whose lives you've touched.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Suzanne and Mike Weldon

Planted Trees

Suzanne Weldon

July 24, 2024

I want you all to know that Tony held a special place in my heart. I cherish our school years together (and all those "fun" math classes we had together!). He was a special man and I was always proud to know him and learn of his accomplishments. Although we hadn't kept in touch during these last years, my husband, Mike, would tell of Tony's posts on Facebook. I shall miss those and my friend. My love and condolences to all.

Debra Reece Cottrell

July 22, 2024

Sending love honor and respect to your family. Barcellos family, thank you. Thank you for always being a loving kind and generous family. God's love for other has been a light in Anthony just like in his dad. Tony was my Grandpa Dare's best friend. Barcellos will hold a warm spot in my heart til we all meet again on heaven's walkways. Sending prayers of comfort.

Michael arcellos

July 20, 2024

My deepest condolences he always had that smile, love n peace.
Michael and my mom Rose Barcellos

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results