03/04/2026
BOCA RATON, FL -
Arthur Tavares Placido, 80, of Boca Raton, Florida, formerly of Bristol, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully at home on March 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind his devoted wife and childhood sweetheart of 57 years, Louise Isabel (Oliveira) Placido.
Arthur was born in São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, the son of the late Arthur and Maria Conceição (Tavares) Placido. In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his son, Arthur Placido and his wife Kristen of Bristol, Rhode Island; his daughter, Louise O’Neil and her husband Michael of Bristol, Rhode Island; and his cherished grandchildren, Kayla Placido, Alexa Placido, Owen O’Neil, and Jacqueline O’Neil, who brought him endless pride and joy.
He is also survived by his loving sisters, Maria DeMelo and her husband Manuel of Montreal, Canada, and Connie Placido and her husband Bulent Capali of Montreal, Canada; his devoted brother, Jose Placido and his husband Martin Brouillette of New York City; his sisters-in-law, Lena Placido and Natalie Placido of Bristol; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews who were all very dear to him.
Arthur was predeceased by his brothers, Antonio Placido and Carlos Placido of Bristol.
Arthur was raised in Porto Formoso, São Miguel. In 1965, at the age of nineteen, he immigrated with his family to Montreal, Canada, beginning a new chapter that reflected the determination and courage that would define his life. In 1969, he moved to Bristol, Rhode Island, where he married Louise at St. Elizabeth’s Church, a place that remained central to their lives and family traditions.
A man with a remarkable work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, Arthur learned the plumbing trade and later founded East Bay Plumbing & Heating, serving countless homes and businesses throughout the East Bay community. In 1988, he expanded his entrepreneurial journey by opening his first Dunkin’ Donuts franchise in Medway, Massachusetts, a business that continues to be owned and operated by his family today.
Arthur believed deeply in hard work, faith, and community. He loved to volunteer at his Church and generously gave back to the community in many ways, often anonymously. He was passionate about the traditional feasts and processions at St. Elizabeth’s church. He took great pride in helping preserve the traditions and culture that meant so much to him and to generations of Portuguese families in the community.
Outside of work, Arthur found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved gardening, fishing, boating, and golfing. Above all else, nothing meant more to him than spending time with his grandchildren, who brought him immense happiness.
Arthur was known for his kindness, strength, generosity and larger-than-life presence. He had a gift for making people feel welcome, often greeting friends and neighbors with his familiar “Ayyy buddy,” a phrase many will forever associate with his warm and friendly spirit. He built his life around family, faith and hard work, and carried a unique combination of qualities that touched countless lives and made him impossible not to love. His memory and the values he lived by will continue to live on through the family he cherished dearly. Arthur will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know him.
Arthur’s funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 9 – 10:30 AM from the George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High Street, with a Mass of Christian Burial, 11 AM at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 577 Wood Street. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Calling hours are Friday, 4 – 8 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Arthur’s name may be made to: St. Elizabeth’s Church, 577 Wood Street, Bristol, RI 02809; or to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online at: https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=9157111&fr_id=154020&pg=personal
For more information, please visit www.limafh.com
