09/29/2025
TIVERTON -
Antonio “Tony” C. Coelho, a devoted family man and hardworking farmer, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy built on resilience, faith, and love for the land.
Born in Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel, Azores, Tony was the beloved son of the late Antonio C. Coelho Sr. and Jovina Oliveira Coelho. Exceptionally bright and accepted to higher education in Portugal, Tony’s life took a new direction at age 15 when his mother arranged for him to emigrate to Bristol, Rhode Island. With a job and a place to live secured at the Toste Dairy Farm, he set sail across the Atlantic, enduring 18 days of stormy seas to begin a new life in America.
It was at that very farm in Bristol where Tony met the love of his life. Together they built a life filled with dedication, eventually raising seven children.
Tony’s professional life reflected his deep connection to the earth. His early days were spent working at the Toste Dairy Farm and later at the Hob Nob Guernsey Farm in New Hampshire. Upon returning to Rhode Island, he co-owned a dairy farm in Bristol before settling on his own farm in Tiverton in 1968. For over three decades, he worked as a heavy equipment operator with Bristol Lawns before starting his own lawn-care business. Well into his 80s, Tony raised beef cattle, only retiring to care for his ailing wife—a testament to his loyalty and love.
Faith and family were the cornerstones of Tony’s life. He is survived by his seven children:
• Anthony (Maria) Coelho
• Madeline (Dennis) Brumley
• Leanora (William) Graves
• Michael Coelho
• Pauline (Steve) Morin
• Mark (Tammy) Coelho
• Frances Coelho
Tony was a proud grandfather of 14:�Anthony Coelho; Holly (Matthew) Coelho-Chase; Eric (Nicole) Brumley; Justin (Siobhan), Joel (Sara), and Chanel Graves; Mitchell (Olivia), Dylan (fiancée Stephanie), and Shaina (fiancé George) Morin; Amanda and Mark David (Katelynn Couto) Coelho; Lucas, Jacob, and Caleb Munafo.
He was also blessed with 9 great-grandchildren:�Aydan Coelho; Autumn and Hannah Brumley; Cecelia Bonas-Graves; Hazel and Wyatt Graves; Ryder Morin; Armand Jusseaume; and Westin Coelho.
He is also survived by his sisters, Madeline Toste and Mary Angel Coelho, as well as his sister-in-law Connie Coelho.
Tony was predeceased by his brother Charles M. Coelho, his brother-in-law George Toste, and his son-in-law David Munafo.
Tony will be fondly remembered for his tireless work ethic, deep devotion to his family, and the values he instilled in his children. His wisdom and wit were shared often and remembered always:
• “Buy land.”
• “Do you know where you stand? On your own two feet.”
• “If you're going to do a job, do it right, so you don’t have to do it again.”
He passed down his knowledge of gardening, his sense of humor, and his love for music—singing, playing the accordion, and harmonica.
His grandchildren will forever treasure the memories of gathering moss for his Christmas manger display, learning land navigation, lassoing each other in the yard, farming lessons, and the simple joy of fresh Portuguese bread he brought. They will remember his dislike for holes in clothes and shoes, his fondness for Westerns and classic country music, the scent of Old Spice cologne even on lawn jobs, long naps in the tub, and his nightly prayers.
Tony’s life was a portrait of perseverance, joy in simplicity, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on in each life he touched.
Calling hours will be Friday, October 3, from 4 to 8 p.m. at George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High Street, Bristol, RI.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 4, from 8:30 to 9:30 AM at the George C. Lima Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 577 Wood Street, Bristol, RI.
Burial will follow at North Burial Ground, C**t State Park, Bristol, RI.
Memorial contributions may be made to the James L. Maher Center, a non-profit org., where his son, Michael, has attended for 50 years, 906 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown, RI 02842, or online at www.mahercenter.org
For more information, please visit www.limafh.com