Antonio (Tony) Dutra De Mello, age 84, of Hilmar, California entered peacefully into rest on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 with his children by his side. Tony was born April 2, 1937 in Porto Judeu, Terceira, Azores to Antonio Fraga De Mello and Amelia Dutra De Mello.
In 1956 as a teenager, he immigrated with his parents and siblings to California. The family settled in Lemoore California, where Tony began working along, side his father at a dairy milking cows. The family eventually moved to southern California and settled in Corona where he continued to work in the dairy industry. While working he started to purchase and raise heifers.
Tony met his former wife and married in 1959 and they had three children. In August of 1968 he packed his small family and moved to Turlock, California to fulfill his dream of owning his own dairy. It was a family affair with the children having their own duties. Tony was in the dairy business for many years. After the dairy he remained active in the agriculture industry with various jobs. The latest was selling hay & commodities to local dairies until just weeks before his death.
Tony loved his trips to the coast, whether it be Pismo Beach, Monterey or any other coastal destination. Along with that came his love for seafood and a glass of wine. He loved going out to eat and enjoyed good home cooked meals as well. One thing his children learned over the years was not to call while he was eating. If he did answer, it was to say he was eating "I call you later".
Tony loved his family and many good friends over the years. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren meant the world to him. He always did his best for them. Tony instilled a strong work ethic, love of family and friends, caring for others and a love of good food in his children and great grandchildren. His children and grandchildren will pass these traits on to Tony's great grandchildren with love.
Tony is survived by: daughter Annette Cozzitorto (Louie) of Gustine; son Tony De Mello Jr. (Uriel) of Turlock; and daughter Lisa Bettencourt of Tulare; sister Mary Galloway (Sam) of Chino and brother Ricky De Mello (Loraine) of Chino; grandson Louie Cozzitorto III (Jennifer); grandson Martin Cozzitorto (Ashley); grandson Tony Bettencourt (Liz); granddaughter Jennifer Miguel (Hunter); great granddaughter Kerrington Cozzitorto; great granddaughter Kensington Cozzitorto; and great grandson Ezra Miguel. Tony is also survived by Velma De Mello of Newman
Tony was preceded in death by his son-in-law Tony Bettencourt and his parents Antonio and Amelia.
Tony was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hilmar. He was also Director for Turlock Pentecost.
Tony served as President of St. Anthony's, Patterson from 1970-1971, President of Our Lady of Fatima, Turlock from 1982-1983 and President of Our Lady of Miracles, Gustine from 1984-1985.
The Family would like to thank Alexander Cohen Hospice for the care and compassion they showed Tony while he was in their care. Donations can be made in memory of Tony, to Alexander Cohen Hospice 2201 Euclid Avenue, Hughson, CA, 95326.
A Visitation for Tony will be held from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Monday, May 31, 2021 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 20323 American Avenue, Hilmar, California, 95324. A Recitation of the Rosary will follow.
A Funeral Mass will occur at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 20323 American Avenue, Hilmar, California, 95324. A committal service will follow at N. Hilmar Cemetery District, 8710 N. Tegner Road, Hilmar, CA, 95324.
Services for Antonio D. De Mello are in the care of Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service (FD 504) in Turlock, California.
