Antonio Dias Vieira

Antonio Dias Vieira was born November 1, 1938 in Castelo do Neiva, a fishing village in northern Portugal where he was raised as one of eight brothers and sisters and where he met and married Rosalina Martins Pires, his love for more than 35 years. Tony and Rosalina lived together in Portugal and France before settling here in Toronto; along the way their family grew to include five children and their spouses — Aida, and her husband, Antonio; Ines, and her husband, Ad; Joel, and his wife, Micaela; Paulo, and his wife, Debbie; and Lisa, and her husband Ray — plus 12 grandchildren and a great-grandson. If Antonio loved anything as much as his wife, it was living, and neither widowhood nor stroke nor rare cancer diminished his appetite. He refused to bow down to age or illness. His tenacity in pursuit of travel, soccer and good company was matched by the steadfast devotion of his family and friends, who surrounded him and cared for him and supported his wishes. Along with their parents, Antonio’s grandchildren — Christine, Sarah (as well as her husband, Chris, and their son, Joshua), Daniel, Katherine, Rosie, Isaac, Tomas, Eva, Miguel, Gabriel, Roslyn, Adam — celebrate his lasting influence with much love. To do the same, the family appreciates donations to the nonprofit Kensington Hospice in lieu of flowers. The remarkable team there ensured Antonio’s last weeks were dignified and sprinkled with laughter. There will be no visitation, but Antonio’s many friends are welcome to join the family for a funeral mass at St. Agnes’ Parish in Toronto at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 30. https://www.kensingtonhealth.org/Kensington-Foundation/Ways-to-Give.aspx