Anthony John Abreu, passed away on June 23, 2022, at the age of 84 in his San Jose home of 52 years. He was born and raised in Oakland, California, and survived his wife of 52 years, Maria S. Melo Abreu, known to her friends as “Mariazinha”. Together they had two children Gerard “Jerry” Abreu and John Abreu and many grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Anthony better known as “Tony” proudly served his country for 8 years in the United States Coast Guard and his patriotism and love for his country continued throughout his life. He was also very proud of his Portuguese heritage.
Tony worked most of his life for the phone company and retired from Pac-Bell in the early 2000’s. He was also a realtor serving the Portuguese Community for Rosa Realty and later Better Homes & Gardens. In the early 80’s, along with his loving wife and partner Maria, they started Gelataria Picasso an Ice Cream and Espresso restaurant in Little Portugal, San Jose. The homemade Ice Cream and Gelato was an instant success and received numerous accolades including a five-star review in the Mercury Newspaper. They eventually added Portuguese cuisine and pizza and later sold the restaurant.
On December 14th 2020 Tony lost his wife Maria who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease years earlier. Although he tried to find peace with his family and continued to share his loving heart with them, the last year and a half, without his best friend by his side, left him heart-broken.
In recent months health complications led to several weeks of hospitalizations and eventually he made the decision to come home and be with his family on his last days. On the day of his passing, he was surrounded by both his sons, their wives Chimae and Anabela and their children. We would like to give our sincerest thanks and acknowledgement for all of the support, especially from the two most special daughter-in-law’s a person can wish for. They were always there for him in his time of need. We would also like to give thanks to his niece Christine Abreu “Chrissy” who lived with, looked after and kept him company after our mother passed, also to Chrissy’s daughter Billy Marie who tenderly helped cared for him for many months.
Tony gave so much love to his family and always taught us to be good to everyone unconditionally. His philosophy in life was always to be gracious and appreciative and never to spend time wasted on spiteful arguments as love was more important than anything else. He is predeceased by his parents Mamie and Anthony Sr, and 2 brothers Billy and Edward. He is survived by his 2 sons, 7 grandchildren (Alexander, Nolan, Sarah, John Jr, Amanda, Angelina, and Ariana Abreu) and great-grandchildren (Joseph, Josiah, and Jeremiah Abreu), children of John Jr and Desirae. He loved them all so much and made sure to always include them in his life by remembering each and every one of their milestones, birthdays, graduations, confirmations and baptisms. All of those special moments were everything to him. It was rare for him not to make a phone call and show them how much he cared and he will never be forgotten because of that. We all will miss him so much and we will forever continue to praise his heart and all that he gave us.
Please join us at his celebration of life and funeral, the rosary and viewing will be Wednesday July the 6th beginning at 5pm at Willow Glen Funeral home. Mass will be at Five Wounds Church the following morning July 7th at 10:30am. Burial will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in San Jose at noon followed by a reception.
Anyone wishing to make a contribution in Tony’s honor may direct them to The Parkinson’s Foundation or for masses at his parish Five Wounds Church.
