It is with great sadness that on June 29, 2023 we lost our family legend Antonio “Tony” Soares Lourenco, at home surrounded by the loving presence of his family. Tony was the seventh of twelve children born to Amelia and Jose Homem on October 15, 1934, in Terceira, Azores. His childhood was filled with many wonderful moments with his brothers and sisters and despite not having much wordly wealth he would always have gratitude for all of the immaterial wealth that was bestowed upon him.

As a child it became evident that soccer was his gift, (or maybe a curse!) He was notorious for sneaking away to play rather than helping in the fields that provided the family’s food. He felt dealing with the consequences he would face from his father was worth fulfilling his passion. His talent continued to develop and teammates from his Sport Club “Barreiro” in Portu Judeu, granted him the nickname “Finoca.” He became so legendary that fans in the Azores would still recognize him 30 years later and yell “Finoca! Finoca!” Photos of Tony still hang on the club wall.

In 1958 he emigrated from from the Azores to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where he worked as a butcher with his brother Joe. His heart was full being reunited with several siblings there until in 1968 when he was sponsored by his beloved sister Gabriela and brother-in-law Robert Murphy and immigrated to the United States, settling in Arcata.

Upon moving to Arcata, he began his employment with Simpson Timber in Korbel, where he retired after 30 years. He was introduced to his future wife Judy by his sister Natalia. Tony and Judy were married on June 28, 1975, in Arcata at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. They were blessed with two children, Anthony and Carlos. Tony was very proud of his children and enjoyed traveling with them.

Tony continued to play soccer in Arcata and in the early 1970s became part of the Club Team “Acoreano’s.” He was known as an intense mid-field player and was an excellent defender. His legendary status followed him everywhere. He was constantly stopped by past teammates, competitors, and fans up until his death and was always complimented on his soccer skills and sportsmanship. Tony hung up his cleats in his 70s, but continued to share his skills with his younger family members who followed in cleat-steps.

Family was everything to Tony. He adored his siblings and their families. He was put on this earth as a servant and serve he did. Tony was a family Uber and would take his sisters that did not drive to grocery shop, doctor’s appointments, and hair salons. He could always be counted on.

He had a natural ability to do anything he put his mind to. Although he was not formally trained, he could build, paint, landscape, and garden as well as any professional. His happiest days were to share those talents with the people he loved the most. It would be hard to find a family member’s home that did not have his finger prints on it.

Many may remember Tony as someone who was always in search of a good bargain or treasure. He loved thrifting and sharing his good finds with his loved ones.

Tony was the epitome of light, love, laughter and joy. He showed us all how to have fun, be goofy, live light-hearted, not take things too seriously, give everyone a great nick name, speak in code (onomatopoeia).

As Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

He was preceded in the death by his wife Judy, father Jose and mother Amelia Homem, his sisters; Maria Jose DeMatos, Maria dos Santos Rafael, Natalia Oliveira, and Fatima Borges, his brothers; Manuel Homem and David Homem.

He is survived by his children; Anthony and Carlos Lourenco. His siblings; Gabriela Murphy, Jose Homem (Gloria), Fernando Lourenco (Jorlanda), Durvalina Machado, Avelino Homem (Ana), In-laws; John DeMatos, Maria de Lourdes Homem, and Ana Paula Homem. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews that lost their “favorite Uncle Tony.”

A recitation of the Rosary will be said at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 6th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Arcata with The Mass of Christian burial immediately following at 11 a.m. Internment immediately following at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

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