Antonio P DaCruz

Antonio P. DaCruz, 88, of Punta Gorda, Florida passed away peacefully in Port Charlotte, Florida on August 6, 2025. He was born in Donoes Montalegre, Portugal. He was the son of the late Maria Teixeira (Pinto) DaCruz and the late Joao Goncalves DaCruz, and loving husband of 60 years to Bertha D. (Santos) DaCruz.

As a young man he served in the Portuguese Army and was assigned to the Colégio Militar, (Military College) in Lisbon, Portugal where his love for working in the kitchen developed and enjoyed sharing his experiences with others. He was employed by Coaters Inc. for many years and Albert J. Welch Construction Company until his retirement. As an active member and past president of the Clube Recordacoes de Portugal, he worked hard for the Club as the chef for many of their functions as well as working at several local restaurants. His passion for cooking, tending to his grape vines and working in his garden was well known.

Upon retiring to the sunshine state of Florida he became an avid golfer and achieved “A Hole in One”. His landscaping was recognized by his community with a Landscape of the Month award. He was always there to lend a helping hand to friends and family. When he was not in the kitchen or working on his landscape he could be found outside relaxing in his lanai enjoying nature.

In addition to his wife Bertha, Antonio is survived by his two daughters: Susanne Phelan and husband Robert of Fort Myers, FL, Carol Stott and husband Timothy of Dartmouth, MA and his three grandchildren: Morgan, Madison, and Logan Stott; his siblings Jose Cruz and wife Amelia of New Bedford, MA, Gloria Afonso and husband Domingos of Acushnet, MA, Maria DaCruz and husband Joao of Milford, MA and the late Inocencio DaCruz and surviving wife Helen of Acushnet, MA. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who adored his cooking.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 14th at the Boulevard Funeral Home from 4-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, August 15th at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception at 10am. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Tidewell Hospice, 1158 Veronica Street, Port Charlotte, Florida 33952.