Antone P. "Toi" Grace

New Bedford – Antone P. “Toi” Grace, age 93, of New Bedford passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2020 at Sacred Heart Nursing Home. He was the beloved husband of the late Elizabeth (Briggs) Grace.

Born in New Bedford, MA he was the beloved son of the late Pedro F. and Ana (Lopes) da Graça. His parents were both born in Sao Nicolau, Cape Verde and immigrated to New Bedford. He was the sixth of nine children, which consisted of five boys and four girls, all born in the United States.

Antone served in the United States Army in the 1950’s and was stationed in Germany for two years. He went on to work for Dartmouth Finishing Co. for 31 years, until his retirement in 1988, where he was Chief Steward for Local 59.

Antone had belonged to a number of clubs. He had been Past President and Lifetime Member of the United Social Club in New Bedford, Past Commander and Lifetime Member of the V.F.W. Post 2892, Ft. Phoenix, Fairhaven, Past Commander of the Cape Verdean Veterans Association in New Bedford, Member of the Moby Dick Post and Member of the American Legion.

Antone had played bass guitar with the late Henry Silva’s band, played maracas with the late Juvey Galvin and in 1988 started with “Toi” Grace and the Verda Tones.

He is survived by his son, Antone P. Grace, Jr.; 2 granddaughters Tatiana Grace and Alani Harvey, 3 special nieces, Donna, Gail and Cindy and an abundance of other nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his brothers Ralph Diniz , John Grace, Frank Grace, Joseph Grace; sisters Alzira Andrews, Eugenia ( Jana) Fischer, Candida Santos, and Angela Rozario.

Antone’s funeral services will be private due to the recent mandated restrictions in regards to the Covid-19 Pandemic.


Arrangements are placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740. Please see our website: www.perryfuneral.com for condolences.