Antonio "Tony" Vasconcelles, 81, of New Bedford died October 9, 2008 peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was the husband of Lorraine D. (Mello) Vasconcelles, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Antone and Clara (Sousa) Vasconcelles, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
He was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church.
Mr. Vasconcelles was formerly employed at Otis Air Force Base as a carpenter for the U.S. Coast Guard until his retirement in 1990. He was a handyman and enjoyed helping others.
Mr. Vasconcelles served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was a member of Andrews-Dahill Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1531. He enjoyed camping at Bourne Scenic Park for many years.
Survivors include his wife; 2 daughters, Pamela F. Plant and her husband Alan, and Paula Vasconcelles, all of New Bedford 3 sisters, Evelyn Bowers, Lorraine Rodrigues and Mary Vasconcelles; and 2 grandchildren, Eric and Kara Plant.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Tuesday, October 14th at 8 AM. Funeral Mass at St. John the Baptist Church at 9 AM. Burial will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Visiting hours Monday, October 13th from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Southcoast Hospice and Palliative Care Services, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719.