Antonio G. ‘Ralõa’ Vieira, 81 of Lowell, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 23, 2022 at Lowell General Hospital surrounded by his entire family. He was the husband of Honorina Fatima (Melo) Vieira with whom he would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary October 6 of this year.
He was born in Terciera, Azores, Portugal on October 15, 1940 and was a son of the late Jose and the late Maria (DeJesus) Sylvia. He was raised in Terceira where he worked in masonry and construction. At the age of 29 on August 25, 1970, he relocated to the United States with his wife and family, first living in New Bedford for a short time before settling in Lowell in 1972.
Ralõa worked at Majilite Corporation for many years until his retirement in 2002. His passion was gardening and he dedicated his life to taking care of his wife. He also was an avid soccer fan and was previously a professional soccer player in the Azores. Above all else, he adored time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Honorina Vieira of Lowell, he is survived by his four children, Antonio J. Vieira and his wife, Elisa of Lowell, Connie Vieira and her partner, Christopher Silva of Nashua, Paul G. Vieira and his wife, Mary of Pelham, and Sandra C. Vieira of Lowell; ten grandchildren, George III, Antonio, Brandy, Joey, Jeremy, Marissa, Gloriana, Thiago, Marcio, and Nathan; and ten great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Liotilde Estevez and her husband, Serafim of New Bedford, Cisela Almeida and her husband, João of New Bedford, Luci Hayden of Ohio; his sister in law, Magna Coelho of New Bedford; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his daughter, the late Maria de Conceicao Vieira who passed away in Terceira; and brother of the late Jose Coelho.
On Tuesday, May 31, 2022 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 9-10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell.
His funeral mass will be held in the church at 10:30 a.m. followed by procession for burial at St. Patrick Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave. Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451.