Wednesday, September 21, 2016
It greatly saddens me that after a long illness my tio has passed away. Although I wish he was still here I am happy that he is no longer suffering. The last few years have been rough. He fought and battled cancer for nearly 3 years among other complications throughout. Personally, he was always someone I looked up to. He was smart, thoughtful, resilient and really friendly. Those qualities, just to name a few, surely explain why he had so many friends. My tio was a guy everyone wanted to be around, period. Armando was a man that would move heaven and earth to make sure those around him were happy. I have very fond memories of him back when he and my Tia Stella ran their undeniably successful Portuguese restaurant on Sargeant and then later Ellis called Chave D'Ouro. I would walk in and hear Sandra and Stella yelling like many Portuguese people often do. Where was Tio? Sitting down at a table enjoying the fruits of Sandra and Stella's labor with a big smile on his face. He was impossible not to like. It comforts me to know that in his last years he was looked after by his loved ones: Stella, Steven, Sandra, Fernando, my dad and countless friends. I will miss his smile like hell and I know countless others will too.
Rest well Tio,
Love Adam
