Antonio D. C. Tavares, 74, of Fall River, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Charlton Memorial Hospital, after courageously battling a long illness. Tony leaves behind his wife, Maria D. (Camara) Tavares (Mary Lou) and their two children, Kelly Tavares and Shaun Tavares (wife Amanda), both of Fall River; two grandchildren, Lucas and Ariana, whom he adored.

Tony was born in Fenais da Luz, Ponta Delgada, in Sao Miguel, Açores, son of the late Antonio Pires Tavares and the late Evangelina Correia Tavares. He was the brother of the late Carlos Tavares and is survived by his sister Elmina "Ellie" Gaspar (husband Carlos) of Fall River. Tony is also survived by many nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends, whom he loved very much.

Tony served 4 years in the Portuguese military, developing many lifelong friendships. Many of his friends nicknamed him Pires after his dad who was a police officer in Ponta Delgada. Upon leaving the military, Tony became a sales representative with a prestigious insurance agency in Ponta Delgada.

In 1973 Tony married Maria, the love of his life, and in early 1974, decided to emigrate to the United States in pursuit of the American dream! Courageously, he and his new bride left behind all that they knew and together they embarked on a lifelong adventure. Tony and Maria spent 56 years together, married for 51 of those years.

Upon arriving in the US, Tony worked at the former Taunton Silversmith Plant. Upon its closing, he went to work at the former Duro Finishing Co. where he was employed for many years. He then worked for the City of Fall River in the Park Department, retiring in 2011.

Tony was an avid sports enthusiast. It never mattered which sport was on or which team was playing, he loved watching them all. But his all-time favorite sport, whichever one his grandchildren were playing!

Besides sports, Tony loved testing his culinary acuteness. He was a phenomenal chef and let everyone know it! The holidays were his favorite time to show off his skills as a chef and all who ate of his creations attested to his abilities.

More than anything, Tony loved family. Whether in the kitchen, in the backyard, on the beach, hiking, fishing or whatever the activity happened to be, Tony always showed his love of life, family and friends.

His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, September 3rd, in St. Anthony of Padua Church followed by his committal at St. Patrick Cemetery.

Family members are always grateful for relatives and friends wishing to make in-person expressions of kindness and support. If you were unable to do so, because of health concerns or any other reason, all are urged to express their sympathy online or by mail. To ensure that said condolences and/or sympathy cards reach the family, please always make sure that submissions online are made directly through the funeral home's website (www.silvafaria.com) and not through a third party. Thank you!