Antonio Oliveira Brasil passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 18 at the age of 78. He was a man of faith, integrity, strong work ethic, and devotion to his family. He had a sharp mind, a kind soul and was proud of his Portuguese heritage.
Antonio was born in Sao Tomé, Topo, São Jorge, Açores to parents Joaquim Brasil and Maria Amelia Oliveira Brasil. He was one of eight children. Growing up in the Azores he spent many hours in his family’s General Store, which was started by his grandfather and ran by his Godmother. Many knew him as “Antonio da Venda.” Today he is known as Antonio, Antone, Tony, Pai and Avó.
In December 1975, Antonio immigrated to the United States and put the business skills he learned from his family to work. Antonio was a true entrepreneur with a savvy business intellect. He took calculated risks with courage and a steadfast nature. At the height of his career, Antonio operated three dairies with over 1,500 head of milking cows, 900 acres of farmland, he farmed hay and corn and had multiple investments to support his family. Antonio would always try to negotiate in business and would enjoy the process. He would always say, “I want a good deal, I know you can do better.” Antonio’s success was not achieved alone. He had the love and support of his wife, Maria Nelcina Fernandes Brasil, whom he married September 6, 1973. This year marked their 50th wedding anniversary, which he was excited to celebrate. From the start Nelcina and Antonio worked side by side on the dairy. They welcomed their daughters Sandra and Suzete, all while milking cows and feeding calves to build their life on the farm. In 1995, Antonio proudly built their family home on their dairy on Clayton Rd. There they raised their girls, celebrated many milestones, and hosted family and friends. In 2018, after many years of long hours, sleepless nights and hard work, Antonio retired from the dairy business to start a new chapter of farming almonds with his son-in-law David. In recent years Antonio could be found driving a tractor, working in his garden, raising a variety of farm animals, and spending time with his grandsons, Aiden, Jayce, Logan, and Evan.
Antonio had a strong, confident, stern exterior, but when he was with his family and friends he would smile, laugh, and make jokes. He had an exaggerated reaction that was unexpected and would add humor to the conversation. His eyes would light up when talking with his girls, and especially when he spent time with his grandsons. He loved dairy cows, riding his quad on and between properties, visiting their home in Morro Bay, eating good seafood, and having some fun at the casino from time to time, but most importantly he was a devout Catholic and a man of faith. A longtime parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church, he would start and end each day with prayer, pray the rosary multiple times a day, and regardless of his schedule he would make time for mass, even if it meant leaving work to be done later. Antonio made God and church a priority in his home and with his family.
Antonio worked hard to create a wonderful life filled with success, generosity, and great memories. Memories of traveling abroad, from Europe, to Canada, and his favorite of visiting the Azores. To be able to provide not only the necessities but to enjoy life to the fullest made him proud and brought joy to his heart. He would say, “Not bad for a guy who came to this country with nothing.” Antonio’s passion for leaving a legacy to his family to have a good life was at the heart of every decision. To Antonio, a good life also meant sharing his blessings with the people and causes dear to him. Among the many charitable gifts over his lifetime, he would donate cows to multiple celebrations, money to the church, including funds for OLA to build the new church, and many countless other gifts. Antonio’s life was full of goodness, honor, humor, and generosity. He was deeply loved and will be missed by so many.
Antonio is survived by his loving wife Nelcina, his daughter Sandra Brasil, his daughter Suzete Brasil-Vogel and Son-in-law David Vogel, his grandsons, siblings in Turlock, Joe Brasil (Maria Das Neves), Joao Brasil (Gilda), Margarida Vitorino (Joao), and Maria Emilia Nunes (Joao), his brother Luis Brasil (Virginia) in Faial, Azores, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Manuel Brasil, and Bernadette Sousa.
The viewing will be from 5-7pm, on Thursday, July 27 with Rosary following at 7pm. Funeral mass will be Friday, July 28 at 11am, both services will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, followed by a graveside service at Memorial Park in Turlock.
Serving as pallbearers are David Vogel, John Nunes, Antonio Vitorino, Anton Fernandes, Danny Brasil, Joe Brasil, Aiden Vogel, Jayce Vogel, Logan Vogel and Evan Vogel.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstnortondiasfunerals.com for the Brasil family.
