Isolino C. Teles, 95, of Lowell, died peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Saab Residence in Lowell, with his family by his side. He was the husband of the late Argentina G. (Veiga) Teles, with whom he shared nearly 60 years of marriage before her passing in 2015.
Born in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal, on May 17, 1931, he was a son of the late Manuel Teles and the late Virginia Teles. He grew up and was educated in Graciosa, and as a young man he served in the Portuguese military. Before emigrating, he loved fishing and he made his living painting homes.
Isolino came to the United States on August 30, 1966, settling in Lowell's Back Central neighborhood, where he and Argentina raised their family. He worked for many years as a groundskeeper at Vesper Country Club. Following his retirement in 1984, he and Argentina returned home to Graciosa, where he happily tended his farms and cared for his animals. In 2010, they came back to the United States to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
He was a man of simple and joyful pleasures. He loved playing Sueca and bingo, working his land and gardening, and traveling home to Graciosa whenever he could. He enjoyed comedy movies and television shows, and he never needed much of a reason to dance or to sing. For years he looked forward to the events at the Portuguese Senior Center, and he was a devoted fan of soccer and of the New England Patriots. He had a great love for his animals, and above all he treasured the time he spent with his family. To his friends at the Saab Residence, he was simply known as Papa.
He is survived by his two children, Elpidio M. Teles and his wife, Maria, of Dracut, and Elisia M. Saab and her husband, Mark, of Lowell; four grandchildren, Analise Brown and her husband, David, of Andover, Alana Saab and her wife, Frishta Yaqubie, of New York, and Alexander Teles and Christopher Teles, both of Dracut; four great-grandchildren, Lowell, Leo, Lenox, and Ruh; and his sister-in-law, Palmira Teles, of Lowell. He was the brother of the late Elpidio Teles and the late Manuel Teles. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
The family is deeply grateful to Gloria, who first opened the door to his care, as well as his personal care team, and to all of the staff at the Saab Residence, whose kindness and compassion meant so much to "Papa" and to his family.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, August 3, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 12 Noon at St. Anthony's Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell, MA 01852. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, 90 River Road, Tewksbury. Arrangements are under the care and direction of McDonough Funeral Home. For additional information or to offer an online condolence, please visit www.mcdonoughfuneralhome.com.