Antone T. “Tonka Toi” Fortes, 73, of New Bedford passed away suddenly on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.
Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Theophilo M. and Archangela M. “Canja” (Santos) Fortes.
Mr. Fortes was formerly employed as a park supervisor for the Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources at Myles Standish State Forest until his retirement.
Toi was active in the Greater New Bedford community as a gymnastics trainer and coach for many years. He was among the original members of the House of Champions, training with his mentor, the late Manuel E. Costa, Sr. During the 1960s, the members of House of Champions performed on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour. Later he continued his involvement with area youth with Tonka’s Tumblers gymnastics organization for the past 50 years. He was a successful coach and trainer throughout the years and had also taught gymnastics at the Y.M.C.A. and the Boys and Girls Club of New Bedford. As a mentor to many, he built up his athletes with encouragement and made them feel good about themselves.
During the Vietnam War, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Cape Verdean American Veterans Association and the Cape Verdean Band Club. He also enjoyed playing music with various area bands.
He is survived by his daughters, Nicole Fortes-Williams, and Kristie Burgo and her husband Lance; his grandchildren, Vaughndre Henry, Taijahn Henry, Michael Williams II (Little Mike who was his heartbeat), Donovan Burgo, and Taeya Burgo; his siblings, Theophilo M. Fortes, Jr., Jacqueline Fortes Pina, Maria Rozario, and Joseph P. Fortes; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his brother, Jerardo A. Fortes.
His visitation will be held on Friday, February 12, 2021 from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Due to current gathering restrictions, his Funeral Mass and burial will be private. The Mass will be livestreamed on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 9 AM on Facebook: Our Lady of the Assumption Parish – OLOA. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Please be advised that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there are strict guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of everyone. You MUST wear a mask and practice social distancing. Guests will be permitted to pay their respects and depart to allow the next guests to enter. Capacity at the funeral home will be limited so there could be wait times outside the funeral home. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.