Antone (“Tony”) Sequeira was called home by the Lord on May 6, 2026 at the age of 94. A longtime resident of Boston, Tony spent his last months in Florida, where he was well cared for and loved by his family. It was there that he transitioned from this life peacefully, surrounded by his family. Tony was a good man who lived a rich, full life, and was loved by many! Tony was born on January 5, 1932 in Wareham, MA to Frank Sequeira and Lottie Mendes (both from Cape Verde). He had eight siblings.
Tony was united in marriage to his beloved wife Priscilla Benders in 1951, and together they built a loving, close-knit family of eight children: Angelina, Linda, Antone Jr. (also Tony), Laura, Priscilla, Sylvia, Mark and Renee. In his later years, he was additionally blessed with a son, William “Manny” Blalock. All of his children brought him great joy, and he loved them all dearly!
Tony graduated from English High School (then an all boys school), where he was a star point guard on his school’s basketball team and ran track. He loved music and played the drums and the fife!
At the age of 17 he began to work at the then famous Dini’s seafood restaurant in downtown Boston, diligently working his way up from dishwasher, to head chef by the time he retired, at the age of 62. Hardworking and stalwart, he was respected and well loved by the owners and his co- workers, and even spoke a little Italian and Spanish! Tony was determined to retire early enough to still enjoy his life, and encouraged others to do the same. Indeed, he was known for saying, “Take the money and run!”
Tony was a “family man” in every sense of the word and enjoyed spending time with his family and extended family. As a father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he understood the importance of “being there”, of showing up for his loved ones. He made it a point to be present at every graduation, wedding, shower, award ceremony, holiday and birthday celebration, not only for his children and grandchildren, but also for his siblings and his countless nieces, nephews and other extended family members! A devoted brother and “Uncle Tony” to many, he spent a lot of good, quality time with his people. If you invited him, he was going to make it his business to be there!
Tony had a remarkable memory and sharp mind (which he was blessed to retain until the day he passed), and he never forgot a birthday! He believed in celebrating every birthday, not just the “big” milestones. He considered every year of life to be a blessing and encouraged us to live it to the fullest!
Tony was a vibrant, joy-filled man that enjoyed many pursuits. He enjoyed sports, especially baseball and basketball. He was a passionate fan of the Boston Red Sox. He also was a regular at the Suffolk Downs Race Track! He loved Western movies and watched them almost daily. He liked to play the lottery and to feed the squirrels at the Boston Commons. He embraced his Cape Verdean roots and attended the Cape Verdean festival in Onset annually. During his time in Florida, he enjoyed taking road trips with his children and staying in hotels along the way.
An avid outdoors man, Tony walked daily until his final years. He did not have much patience for the “iron horse” (the bus), often preferring to walk. He was known for his quick gait and stamina, walking long distances at a fast clip! He was fiercely independent and self-sufficient; he lived in his own apartment until his 90’s! Tony was highly disciplined and had a strict routine that he followed like clockwork. He also was extremely punctual; he never wanted to be late!
A man of devoted faith, Tony loved the Lord. He was a faithful worshipper, attending mass daily at St. Anthony’s Church in downtown Boston for years until he could no longer do so, and then he began watching church services daily on television. Even when his eye-sight began to fail and he could no longer walk, he continued to have a heart of gratitude, and he never complained.
Tony was easy going, had a quick wit, great sense of humor, and loved to laugh! He was the King of the “1-Liners!” He was famous for saying, “I didn’t do it!” or “It wasn’t me”! “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.” When someone would ask him, “What’s up?,” he would reply, “The rent!” He created nicknames for many. He said that if he made up a name, then he would never forget it!
While Tony may have been diminutive in stature, he was mighty in presence and in the impact he made on people…the way he touched their hearts.
Tony is a testament to a life well lived. He was well loved and respected by many, and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He will be forever cherished by his children Angelina Sequeira, Linda Morris, Laura Glasgow (Donald), Priscilla Sequeira, bonus son Almer Washington, Sylvia Sequeira, Mark Sequeira (Anna), Renee Sequeira-Ruiz, William (Manny) Blalock (Sade), many many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, as well as his siblings Anne and Mary, cousin Christine, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by his wife Priscilla, their beloved son Tony, his parents, and his siblings Suzzane, Maurice, Angelina, Lorraine, Estella, and Rosemarie. Rest in peace our beloved Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle Tony, and Friend!
Funeral Services at the Bethel AME Church, 38 Walk Hill St. Jamaica Plain on Thursday May 21, 2026. Visiting with his family from 9-11 am, followed by a funeral service at 11 am. Interment to follow the service at St. Michael Cemetery.