It is with great sadness that on February 20, 2026, we lost the heart of our family, Avelino Azevedo Homem, who passed away peacefully at home.

Avelino was the ninth of twelve children born to Amelia and Jose Homem on December 1, 1939, in Terceira, Açores. From a young age he was drawn to art, beauty and the natural world around him. Whether drawing, observing the land, or simply appreciating the quiet rhythm of island life, Avelino carried with him a creativity and curiosity that would remain throughout his life. As a member of a large family, work was plentiful, and the children spent their days tending the family fields and at night keeping watch over the sheep so wild dogs would not attack. What they lacked in material wealth they made up for in love. Avelino and his siblings often reminisced about those early years — their mother baking bread and sewing and quiet evenings by the fire as their father played the clarinet.

In 1956, as a young man seeking opportunity, Avelino embarked on a weeks-long journey by boat from Terceira to Rio de Janeiro, Brasil to join his brothers Jose and Fernando. He often recalled that voyage with humor, never forgetting how seasick he had been along the way. Still, the journey marked the beginning of a new chapter and a life shaped by courage, grit and determination.

In Rio, Avelino worked as a butcher alongside his brothers on the very street where his future wife, Ana, lived. At the time, Ana was working in a nearby laboratory, and Avelino would often see her as she walked home from the bus stop. Though they noticed one another, their paths had not yet crossed. That changed one evening when Ana’s father, a celebrated fado lyricist, was performing at a concert. Ana’s mother suggested inviting Avelino and his sister Maria Jose, knowing they would appreciate Portuguese music. That evening proved life-changing — Avelino and Ana met formally for the first time.

They began dating soon after. Though money was scarce, Avelino carefully saved what he could to take Ana to the movies. In the dim glow of the theater, everyday worries faded and were replaced by dreams of possibility. Walking home together, they spoke often about the future, and Avelino shared his dream of one day coming to America to build a life and raise a family of his own. They married on January 10, 1965, and later that year turned those dreams into reality, immigrating to the United States. Sponsored by Avelino’s beloved sister Gabriela and brother-in-law Robert Murphy, they settled in Arcata — a community that would become home for the rest of their lives. Avelino was eternally grateful for Bob and Gabriela giving him and Ana the opportunity to have a successful life in America.

Upon arriving in Arcata, Avelino began pulling green chain at Louisiana Pacific. Though grateful for the opportunity, he remained determined to return to his trade as a butcher. Through hard work and persistence, he entered an apprenticeship program while continuing to work at the mill, earning his meat cutter’s certification and eventually working as a butcher at Safeway and later Food Mart. His pride in his craft and commitment to providing for his family were evident in everything he did. Customers sought him out for the best cuts of meat and appreciated his skill and kindness.

After retiring, Avelino’s life grew even richer as he spent more time with his grandchildren. He became a familiar face at school performances, ballet recitals, orchestra concerts and sporting events, always arriving early and eager to cheer them on. After-school pickups, barber visits and trips to the hardware store became cherished outings — simple moments that meant the world to him and were treasured by his grandchildren in return.

Together, Avelino and Ana lived modestly, saving every penny in pursuit of the American dream. Along the way, they met and formed a lasting friendship with real estate agent Lois Leigh, who guided them in purchasing properties around Arcata — a testament to their discipline, vision and shared commitment to their family’s future. Maintaining those rentals kept them busy and also brought lifelong friendships with many exceptional tenants. Some of Avelino’s happiest moments were the simple ones, especially picnics at the pump station with his big family — gatherings filled with laughter, good food and the joy of being together.

Family was everything to Avelino. He deeply loved his siblings and remained closely connected to their lives and families. He gave generously of his time to the Portuguese Hall, helping cook for the festas and he volunteered countless hours in support of fundraising efforts for the new building of St. Mary’s Catholic Church — a place that held great meaning for him.

Avelino possessed an unmatched work ethic and immense pride in caring for his home and properties. He was, in every sense, a renaissance man. He loved music, cooking, keeping a spotless home, shopping for treasures, gardening, watching birds, admiring nature, building birdhouses and caring for his aviary. There was little he could not fix — a true “glue master.” He delighted in finding old furniture and restoring it, breathing new life into forgotten pieces much as he nurtured the people and spaces around him.

In 1999, Avelino and Ana, along with family, made their first trip to the Açores and mainland Portugal. They cherished the opportunity to revisit Avelino’s roots and spend time with extended family. Travel became one of their shared joys, and Avelino especially loved family vacations — the planning, the road trips, the food and the simple pleasure of being together in a new place. Over the years, Avelino and Ana visited loved ones across Brasil and created treasured memories with close friends on cruises to Alaska, through the Panama Canal and to the Hawaiian Islands. He especially loved visiting his grandchildren who lived in the sun. You could often find him relaxing in the outdoor cabana, watching the children play and the squirrels dart about — truly his happy place.

Avelino was a light to everyone he met; his laughter added sparkle to every room he entered. He never knew a stranger, lived humbly and left a lasting impression on all who had the good fortune to cross his path. His smile and laughter were contagious and he will be deeply missed. Ana will especially miss “meu querido, meu velho, meu amigo” — her love, her old man, her friend.

He was preceded in the death by his father Jose and mother Amelia Homem, his sisters; Maria Jose DeMatos, Maria dos Santos Rafael, Natalia Oliveira, and Fatima Borges, his brothers; Manuel “Albino” Homem, David Homem, Antonio “Tony” Lourenco and Fernando Lourenco.

Avelino is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Ana; his children, Frank (Betsy), Rich (Wendy), Diana (George), and Margo (Camron); his siblings, Gabriela Murphy, Jose (Gloria) Homem, and Durvalina Machado; his in-laws, Jorlanda Lourenco, Maria de Lourdes Homem, and Ana Paula Homem; and his cherished grandchildren, Briana Cavinta, John Homem, Dillon Homem (Nichelle), Georgie Cavinta, Mason Homem, Andrew Cavinta, Mike Homem, Gabriela Cavinta, Lucas Shimy, and Liam Shimy. He is also survived by his great-grandchild, Makana Homem, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to his medical care providers for their compassion, dedication and gentle care.

A recitation of the Rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Arcata, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.