FALL RIVER – Amadeu Cerqueira, age 85 of Fall River, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022 with his beloved family by his side. Born in Terras de Bouro, Portugal, Amadeu was the beloved husband of Maria Rosa (Ferreira da Silva) Cerqueira, and the son of the late Firmino & Maria Cerqueira.

In addition to his wife Maria, Amadeu is survived by his 4 children: John Cerqueira of Florida, Paula Cerqueira (companion Leo Murphy) of Westport, Sally Cerqueira-Bonet (husband Ben) of Fall River, and Christine Carvalho (husband Michael) of Westport; 5 grandchildren: Marisa, Vanessa, Tyler, Tatiana, Ellysha; many nieces & nephews.

Amadeu's funeral will take place from the Manuel Rogers Funeral Home, 1521 N. Main St., Fall River on Wednesday, Nov. 9 ^th here at 8:00 A.M. followed by a Funeral Mass at Santo Christo Church at 9:00 A.M. Interment in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Fall River. Calling hours on Tuesday, Nov. 8 ^th from 4-7 P.M. To offer words of sympathy to the family, please go to www.rogersfuneral.com .

Dad

Amadeu "Boss" was born in a tiny village in northern Portugal called Lama/Figueirido with a current population of 4 (3 of which are relatives). He was the youngest child. Enduring a difficult childhood and an orphan at age 13, he ventured to Lisbon to make a life for himself. There he began his hospitality career, from bus boy to Matre' D. He eventually fulfilled his dream and opened up a restaurant in Lisbon with his friend Porfirio called "Os Dois Unidos"  (the "Two United" friends). There they served food from their region until he and our mom decided to emigrate to the United States in 1973.

We, his children, have always admired our parents and others who took this leap of faith, in the hopes of giving their children and future generations a better life.  Two years later, he and our uncle took over ownership of Sagres Restaurant, the first Portuguese restaurant in Fall River. There for many years, our dad enjoyed greeting customers, sharing his Portugues culture and Fado music with the community.

Along with his love of Fado music, he LOVED to eat. His favorite meal was boiled dinner "cozido".  He loved his espresso and occasional 7&7 or Highball. For fun, he played cards with family and friends on special occasions. "Sueca" was serious business with his usual partner "Tio Ze". These were great memories.

He was not a perfect man, as none of us are, but in the end all we have is forgiveness. In his dying days, he told our mom she was the best wife in the whole world. He loved us and his grandchildren and they love him.   The memories that will forever be with us include how he held his grandchildren, singing lullabies and making jokes with them.

He was blessed with us 4 children,  John, Paula, Sally & Christine. He was especially blessed with Sally, who did all she could for him.  She was by his side always as we used to say "So falta o dente de ouro" referring to his gold tooth and she being his sidekick.

In his last few weeks, he fought hard. We found ourselves, playing "Seuca" alongside his bed with Fados playing in the background. He was a true fighter, who did not want to leave his family behind. We admire his courage, but know he is resting peacefully in heaven with our loved ones.

Dad, we hope that you are enjoying your boiled dinner, "cozido" that maybe Tio Tone made for you and playing cards with Tio Ze and Tio Tone.  Maybe the fourth player is your brother, Tio Joao.  We know you are at peace.   We can just hear the Fado music playing in the background.

You will always be our "BOSS". We love you, dad.