Obituary : Anthony M. "Tuffy" Gonsalves
Published: December 4, 2008
Anthony "Tuffy" Gonsalves, age 40, died on November 18. Born in Oak Bluffs on May 4, 1968, he was the son of Joseph B. Gonsalves Jr. and Mildred H. Rocker of Vineyard Haven.
Tuffy grew up on Summer Street in Vineyard Haven, and attended the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School. A member of St. Augustine's Catholic Church, he also enjoyed traveling, family events, skiing, and football. He was a licensed air conditioning and heating system technician.
Anthony will be remembered as a caring, loving family man who lived his life to the fullest. He has many nieces and nephews who will miss their "Uncle Tuffy." He would pile them into a car a go on road trips to amusement parks, ski resorts, Edaville Railroad, and drive around to look at Christmas lights.
He was a great friend to all who knew him. He was known for his great smile and huge bear hugs. He had a laugh that was contagious and twinkles in his eyes.
He is survived by his children, son Nicholas of Harwich and daughter Carly of Fairhaven; three sisters: Margaret Oliveira and her husband David and daughter Alicia of Oak Bluffs, Yvette Turner and her husband Mark and their children Sara, Christian and Mark of Oak Bluffs, and Evelyn Larkin and husband John and son Phillip of Lynn; and two brothers: Joseph Jr. Gonsalves and wife Rosalind and their children Jordan, Hannah and Matthew of Oak Bluffs, and John Gonsalves and his children Ryan and Amanda of Oak Bluffs.
His funeral service was held on November 24 at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Oak Bluffs. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Chapman Cole and Gleason.
In lieu of flowers, his sister has opened an account for this 14-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter. Donations can be sent to Martha's Vineyard Savings Bank, State Road, Vineyard Haven attn. "The Children of Anthony Gonsalves Fund." Visit the online guestbook at ccgfuneralhome.com.
