Antonio Victor "Nenezinho" Fonseca, age 102, died Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at St. Luke's Hospital. He was born December 23, 1908 in Cape Verde on the island of Sao Vincente. He is one of nine children born to Victor Antonio Fonseca and Isabel Francesca DaLuz.
He grew up in Brava and served as a mail carrier, he was well known as Nenezinho de correio, before moving to the United States in 1967. He resided in New Bedford for the past 34 years. Mr. Fonseca was married at the age of 24 to the late Isaura Rebeiro Fonseca. They were happily married for 64 years.
He was blessed with his caring children, Auzenda "Zinha" Correia, Maria "Mangan" Tavares, Matilde "Tila" Soares, Richard "Duca" Fonseca, Joaquim "Jack" Fonseca, Ernestina "Nista" Bala and Edith Pereira.
He was loved and adored by his son and daughter-in-laws along with 28 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren.
Mr. Fonseca was known for sitting in his favorite chair in his living room scratching lottery tickets and sniffing tobacco.
Antonio attributed his good life to God, which had allowed him to stay healthy for 102 years to enjoy his family and friends.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford Saturday, February 19th at 8 AM. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 9 AM. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours Friday, February 18th from 5-8 PM.