FORNO, Antonio do Forno

 Passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, at the age of 90, following a courageous battle with cancer. A steadfast husband, loving father, grandfather, and pillar of the Portuguese Canadian community, Antonio’s life was defined by devotion—to family, to heritage, and to service.

Born in Adoufe, Vila Real, in the region of Tras-os-Montes, Northern Portugal, on March 29, 1935, Antonio’s early life was shaped by the strong values of community and resilience. In 1952 he married his first wife, Rosa Ramos da Costa, in Santiago de Alhariz, Portugal, and had eight children. Antonio & Rosa’s devoted partnership lasted 37 years until Rosa’s passing in 1989. Antonio served in the Portuguese Army from 1956 to 1958 and, soon after, he worked as Treasurer for the “Gremio da Lavoura de Valpaços” (“Valpacos Farming Guild”).

Antonio immigrated to Canada in 1966 where he worked in construction helping to build the Chatham-Kent Public Library, and later served as an operator at Motor Wheel for a number of years. In 1975, he founded the Chatham Portuguese Foods and Fish Store before opening Forno’s Travel Agency in 1977 in Chatham, which he later moved to Leamington. For over three decades, his travel agency became a hub for connecting families across continents, helping countless Portuguese-Canadians keep close ties with loved ones back home.

Antonio’s community work was as impactful as his career. In 1971 he co-founded the Portuguese Canadian Social Club of Chatham, serving as its first president. Under his stewardship, the club became a lasting center for cultural events, fostering a sense of belonging and unity that endures to this day. His dedication extended to several Portuguese clubs throughout Southwestern Ontario, and he represented the community at numerous events with the Portuguese Prime Minister and other Portuguese officials.

Antonio was deeply passionate about helping his fellow immigrants adjust to life in Canada. He extended his hospitality to hundreds of newcomers, welcoming them into his home and helping many start new lives in their adopted country. He was a member of “Conselho da Communidades Portuguesas (CCP)” (“Council of Portuguese Communities”) and president of the Ontario and Manitoba chapter. The CCP is an advisory body linked to the Portuguese government that represents the interests and concerns of Portuguese emigrants living abroad. Antonio was part of the CCP for over 20 years, during this period he provided vital support to the Portuguese community. As an example he was instrumental in establishing Portuguese language learning programs in Chatham, Leamington, and Wheatley.  He was even appointed as a Notary Public by the Ontario government to help Portuguese immigrants with their legal document needs.

Antonio’s dedication brought him numerous accolades and service awards from the Province of Ontario and recognition from the Portuguese government, including the Medal of Merit of the Portuguese Communities by The Secretary of State for the Portuguese Communities and the Certificate of Exemplary Service to Canada in 2025.

Antonio’s faith was strong, and he served as a  long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Chatham. He is also a strong believer in the Cursillo movement and enjoyed participating in adult COR retreats in Leamington. He also volunteered for over 40 years with the Knights of Columbus, proudly attaining his status as a Fourth Degree Knight.

Above all, Antonio cherished his role as a family man; loving father, grandfather, and mentor. Antonio is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Maria (Amaral) do Forno; his children: Preciosa Ramos do Forno Sutton (Ramiro Guerra), Manuel do Forno (Linda), Dominic do Forno (Barbara), Maria “Marie” Prazeres Anderson (Brian), Hernani “Ernie” do Forno (Valerie), Clara do Forno Smith (Lorne), Luis do Forno (Janice), Paul do Forno (Heather), and Maria’s children from her prior marriage, Rick Furtado (Mandy) and Carmen Furtado, as well as 19 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Rosa Ramos do Forno.

The family invites all who knew him or were touched by his generosity to join in celebrating a life so fully and selflessly lived:

Friends and relatives may visit at the Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham, ON from 2-4pm and 6-8pm on Thursday October 16, 2025.

Knights of Columbus prayers Thursday at 6 pm. Colour Guard to stand watch from 6-8 pm on Thursday.

Funeral services will take place at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 180 Wellington St W, Chatham, ON on Friday, October 17 at 10:00 am.

Burial will take place at Maple Leaf Mausoleum, 75 Maple Leaf Dr., Chatham.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the St. Vincent De Paul Charity of Chatham https://ccfp.dol.ca/how-to-donate or the Outreach for Hunger https://outreachforhunger.com/

Antonio’s journey from Portugal to Canada was one of courage and fortitude. His tireless work forged a legacy of a vibrant, united Portuguese community, helping new generations thrive while never forgetting their roots. Antonio will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for the passion and love he shared with all whose lives he touched.