Mr. Antonio M. Amador, age 69, died Wednesday May 22, 2013, unexpectedly in a fishing accident on Cape Cod. Born in Aveiro, Portugal, Antonio was the devoted son of the late Carmelina da Silva and Antonio Lourenco Amador.
Antonio was raised in a tiny fishing village in Aveiro, Portugal. He joined the Portuguese Navy at a young age, which began his life on the ocean. When he was discharged, Antonio began teaching at the Portuguese Maritime School. Soon after he turned his attention to a career as a commercial fisherman. He survived two shipwrecks, one in Portugal where he spent three days in the ocean and one in the Florida Keys, where he was credited with saving 5 lives.
During the 1960's, Antonio played for the Belenese Football Club, which was a semi pro soccer team. When Antonio arrived in the United States, he settled in Somerville, where he raised his family. He coached youth soccer here and was a member of Benfica Social Club in Cambridge. In retirement Antonio enjoyed the occasional glass of wine, watching soccer and of course, fishing.
Antonio was the beloved husband of Maria Carvalho Amador. Devoted father of Sonia Amador Pabrezis, and her husband Alexander of Everett, Lena Amador of Portugal, Elisabeth Teixeira and her husband Adalton of Quincy, Milton Araujo and his wife Doreen of Winthrop, Eduardo Jorge Araujo of Portugal, Emanuel Araujo of Portugal, Grace Araujo and Anna Araujo both of Everett. Also survived by 16 loving grandchildren and 2 loving great grandchildren. Brother of Teresa Amador Guerra of Portugal. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St. MEDFORD, Wednesday, May 29th at 8 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Anthony Church, 400 Cardinal Medeiros Ave., Cambridge at 9 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Tuesday 4 thru 8. Services will conclude with burial at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Peabody.