Antonio DaFonte, 94, passed away on September 5, 2024, at Chestnut Hill of East Longmeadow in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Antonio was born on May 1, 1930, in Holyoke, MA. He was raised in Portugal and returned to America at the age of 19. He is predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Luiza DaFonte, his parents Jose DaFonte and Clara (Gomes) DaFonte, his brother John DaFonte, and sisters Irene Neves and Isaura Lourenco. Known for his completely selfless, kind character and gentle spirit, Antonio was a devoted family man and a good friend to many. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing the bounty of his garden with family, friends, and neighbors. Antonio had a talent for home improvement work, unafraid to attempt any project, and he generously shared that talent with any family members or friends in need of assistance. His playful sense of humor endeared him to all, especially to young children. What Antonio valued and delighted him most was time spent with family, especially celebrating holidays and playing card games with his siblings. He never missed a single milestone event in the lives of his daughter or grandchildren. Shortly before his passing, he thoroughly enjoyed a visit with his three great granddaughters. Antonio was co-owner of the former Nonotuck Hotel, along with his brother John, and he later retired from Holyoke Machine Shop after 24 years of employment. He proudly maintained his Portuguese roots and was an active member of the Portuguese-American Club of Holyoke and the Portuguese American Union. A communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church, Antonio had a strong, unwavering faith. Antonio is survived by his daughter, Lydia DaFonte Flynn, and husband John of Tolland, CT; grandchildren, Michael DaFonte Flynn and wife Lindy of Chicago, IL, and Caitlin DaFonte Flynn of New York City, NY; great-grandchildren, Isla, Natalie, and Colette Flynn of Chicago; and siblings Armand DaFonseca, Joseph DaFonseca, and Gena Fernandes; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of River Mills Assisted Living, the staff of Chestnut Hill of East Longmeadow, and the medical team of Summit ElderCare who provided Antonio with excellent, compassionate care in the last two years of his life. A private funeral and burial service will be held to honor Antonio’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home is handling the services.