Antonio "Tony" Ferreira

Antonio (Tony) Ferreira passed away on September 21, 2024, after a long and full life, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on August 18, 1929, in Holyoke, MA to Fernando and Patrocina Ferreira. Tony is predeceased by his first wife and the mother of his children, Lillian (Costello) Ferreira, his second wife Josephine (Giambusso) Ferreira, his brothers Joseph and Fernando Ferreira, and his son Jeffrey Ferreira (Laurie). Tony was the bright, proud, vivacious husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather of his family. His six children and their families celebrate the amazing life he led and the legacy he leaves. Tony is survived by five of his children, Mark Ferreira (Maureen), Peter Ferreira (Patty), Brian Ferreira (Martha), Ann Sugrue (Joe), and Paul Ferreira (partner Johanne Hedemann). He also leaves behind his lifelong friend of 80 years, Doug Dean.

He was affectionately known as Papa Dear Chief King Sir to his grandchildren; April Bergeron and her husband Dan, Jenny Haddad and her husband Neil, Jason Ferreira and his wife Sarah, Liz Curran and her husband Mike, Megan Ferreira and her partner Dave Pinkham, Matt Ferreira and his wife Danielle, Michael Ferreira and his wife Viviana, Tim Sugrue and his wife Krystin, Aleigh Ferreira, David Sugrue and his wife Angela, Emilie Czupryna and her husband Mike, Anthony Ferreira and his wife Lexie, Nick Ferreira, Daniel Ferreira and his wife Kathryn, Miles and Eva Ferreira. Tony also leaves behind 17 great grandchildren, Ava and Griffin Bergeron, Logan and Lily Haddad, Madelyn and Violet Ferreira, Ben, Colleen and Micaela Curran, Brian and Lillian Ferreira, Lyla, Chase and Theo Czupryna, Summer Ferreira, Joseph James Ferreira, and Roman Ferreira.

Tony, a first generation American, learned to swim in the canals in Holyoke and the Connecticut River with his older and younger brothers unbeknownst to their parents. He was educated in the Holyoke School Systems before moving on to Holyoke Junior College and then the University of Massachusetts where he graduated in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Tony played soccer for the then UMass Redmen in 1949 and 1950. Tony continued his education earning a master’s degree in civil engineering in 1982 and then his Doctor of Engineering from the Technical University of Budapest, Hungary in 1990. He was fortunate to travel the globe educating, collaborating, and inspiring colleagues across the world. A natural athlete, Tony enjoyed playing volleyball, racquetball, and golf. He was an avid and active member of the community, a former commissioner on the Holyoke Parks and Recreation department and a member of the Holy Family Parish. Tony was also a U.S. Army veteran having served during the Korean War.

Family was the heart and soul of his life and he found ways to celebrate and include his loved ones in all he did. Whether attending his children’s, grandchildren’s or great grandchildren’s activities or hosting the annual Ferreira pig roast for more than 100 relatives and friends, he always made certain that everyone he knew felt seen, loved, and celebrated. One of his greatest joys later in life was the honor and privilege bestowed upon him when he was asked to officiate the weddings for four of his grandchildren - he became an ordained minister to do so. The burial will be a private event. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Falcon’s Nest at:

https://thefalconsnest.org/donate