Obituary of Vicencio Barbosa Couto

     Vicencio Barbosa Couto, an immigrant from the island of Fogo in Cape Verde, passed away on Monday morning, October 8, 2018 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers at the age of 96.  He was the son of the late Pedro and Ana Couto, who loved him very much.  While education and employment were limited in Cape Verde, he managed to own his own store and tended to a small farm with animals and crops.  In 1966, he immigrated to the United States in search for a better life for his family and took up residence in Dorchester, Massachusetts.  Vicencio spent many years working at the Quincy Shipyard where he worked on ship repairs, overhaul, conversions and construction.  He provided the best he could for his family by working hard and focusing on his children’s education.

     Vicencio was a very social man who thrived on being with family, friends and neighbors and loved to chat.  If there was an event, he was always present; completely in his element as he loved socializing and connecting with people!  He was very religious in his belief in God and attended church in his Sunday’s best...always sporting a nice suit and fancy shoes.  He loved to eat Cape Verdean/Portuguese food and continued cooking right up until the near end.  He had a tremendous curiosity and passion for education.  He loved discussing religion, politics, and world affairs.  Due to his passion, he desired his children attend a higher level of education than that of his own; if an Undergrad degree was obtained, he pushed for a Masters.  It was fair to say that he was obsessed with his children and grandchildren's continued education.  There was a constant desire to be informed of their achievements.

     He had a strong will and desire to live independently and that sheer drive allowed him to do so until his passing at age 96.  While his hearing and sight diminished with time, to look at him, one would never know his age.  While his passing has left an empty space in the hearts of his family and friends, they will continue to reminiscence about him, his longevity and the memories he left behind.

     Vicencio was the widower of Idilia M. (de Barros) Couto. He was a loving father who leaves behind his son, Antonio and his wife Weenna Bucay-Couto of Burlington; daughter, Anna Tobyne and her husband Bruce of Windham, NH; son, Joseph Couto and Alyce Sheehan of North Andover; daughter, Lucinda Avlonitis and her husband Alexander of NJ; daughter, Odelisa Macedo and her husband Oldemiro of Malden; daughter, Felismina Andrade of Brockton; and his late daughter, Maria Couto-Selamoglu.  Brother of Maria Luiza Canuto of Weymouth.  He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. 

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington on Friday, October 12^th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Funeral will begin at the Sullivan Funeral Home on Saturday, October 13^th at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Mass at St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10:00 a.m.  Services will conclude with a burial at Lakeside Cemetery, 501 North Ave., Wakefield. 

There will be a gathering after the funeral.