1936 - 2025
Born on September 15, 1936, in Mangualde, Portugal, Tony carried his Portuguese heritage proudly throughout his life. In 1969, driven by devotion to his family and hope for a brighter future, he immigrated to the United States. Here, through hard work, perseverance, and deep commitment to those he loved, he built a life that reflected his quiet strength and enduring values.
Family was at the heart of everything Tony did. He was a devoted husband, father (Pai), grandfather (Avô), and great-grandfather (Vovô), and he instilled in each generation the importance of integrity, resilience, and staying closely connected to one another. His greatest happiness came from being surrounded by those he loved.
Tony was also known for his strong sense of community. He was an active presence at the Milford Portuguese Club and Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, where he dedicated countless hours to helping others and supporting local traditions. His generosity and constant willingness to lend a hand left a lasting mark on the community he cherished.
A passionate soccer fan, Tony rarely missed a chance to cheer on his beloved Sporting CP, sharing spirited conversations and celebrations with family and friends. His love of Portugal—its culture, language, and traditions—remained a guiding force in his life, and he proudly passed that heritage down through the generations.
Tony is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Maria Amelia, with whom he shared a lifetime of unwavering companionship and deep affection. He leaves behind his children, Maria DeLurdes Goncalves and her husband João, and José Manuel Costa and his wife Pam; his grandchildren, Daniel Goncalves and his wife Thea, Amanda Masotta and her husband Chris, Christopher Costa, Nicholas Costa, and Jeffrey Costa and his wife Krystal; and his great-grandchildren, Griffin and Caleb Goncalves, and Leo and Oliver Masotta. He is also survived by his siblings Maria Helena Tomaz, Margarida Figueira, Maria Ferreira, and Manuel DaCosta, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother João Costa and by his parents José and Maria Assunção Costa.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 PM at Consigli Ruggerio Funeral Home, 46 Water St., Milford, MA. A Funeral Service will take place on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Saint Mary of the Assumption Church, 17 Winter St., Milford, with burial to follow at Saint Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tony’s memory to the New England Center for Children (autism education and research): https://donate.necc.org/give/477960/#!/donation/checkout, or to Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish: https://stmarymilford.org/ways-to-give.
Tony’s legacy of devotion, warmth, and service will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
