Anibal Alves Coelho

Anibal Alves Coelho passed away on October 30, 2020. He was born on April 24, 1960, in the town of Santa Cruz on the island of Madeira, Portugal. Together with most of his siblings, he arrived in the U.S. on January 15, 1970. He became a U.S. citizen on April 25, 2001.

Anibal, and his wife Judy Coelho, were married for over thirty-two years, but their relationship started long before. They first fell in love when they were high school teenagers. By the time they reconnected nearly a decade later, they knew there was no turning back. They have spent decades together in love and as best friends. They have two children, daughter Jenice Marie McGaha, her husband Austin, their son Calum Stewart and son Jason Randall Coelho, and his girlfriend, Isabel Ramirez, who all miss him dearly.

Anibal was one of nine children born to Romana and Fredrico Coelho, deceased. Predeceased by brothers Jose Coelho and Fernando Coelho, of Venezuela, he is survived by Juvenal Alves and son, Maria Rosa and daughters, Fernanda Coelho and daughters, Theresa Nunes and family, Manuel Coelho and family, Marylou Beecham and family. He was an adored brother, and a beloved brother-in-law.

Judy and Anibal did everything together. They went to the grocery store, the fruit stand, and Costco each weekend as a team. Anibal and Judy shared a love of travel. They found new cities to explore both locally and abroad. One of their favorite activities was finding new restaurants and cuisines to taste. Whether they zoomed around town on their scooter, rode their bikes, or drove down the coast in their car, they were inseparable.

Anibal was a prankster at heart. One of his favorite things to do was to yell, “Boo!” If he could hide behind a door, a car, or a bush, and jump out to startle you, it made his day. The higher you jumped, the longer he laughed.

Anibal loved a good story. Often, he’d crack up half-way through the telling, and it was impossible to ignore his laugh. You didn’t need to be in on the joke to start chuckling, too.

He was a handyman. He could take something apart, repair and reassemble it, and enjoyed the challenge of fixing broken things. He’d often watch online videos to learn exactly how to fix something. Anibal passed on this curiosity and talent to Jenice. Jason is still working on it.

Anibal loved his wife, his children, and his grandson beyond measure. Calum was born on January 15, 2020—on the 50th anniversary of Anibal’s arrival in the States. Anibal shared a bond of respect, love, pranks, and laughter with Jenice and Jason. Anibal was competitive, and a hard worker. He loved spending time outside growing flowers—especially his orchids.

In fact, his yard became a battleground. It was uncanny the way the neighborhood vermin would pick fights with Anibal. There are epic stories about his skirmishes with raccoons, and his latest foe, a highly intelligent squirrel. Anibal was the catch and release type of guy, but nothing got his competitive spirit going better than a fight to outwit a critter. Most often the critter won.

Anibal wore many titles: husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was godfather to Robina, Brandon, Evan and Ryan. His life touched many others. The outpouring of grief and support for the family has brought comfort. Anibal made a difference. He always helped. Whether a neighbor required a hand or a squirrel needed chasing, he was there. He was essentially shy, but when he got to know you—you were blessed by his-larger-than life personality.

There is a hole left in our lives by his passing. Those who knew him best will hurt until they see him again.