"Dear Deb We were so very sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. Having lost both of ours, we know how you feel. Our thoughts, good wishes and prayers go out to you and your Mom. I had no idea your Dad had so many varied interests and talents! The apple truly didn't fall far from the tree! Be as well as you can be at this time, and be assured we will keep in touch as always."
In loving memory of
Anthony Henry Vierra
July 24, 1924 - November 24, 2009
Portsmouth, RI - Anthony Henry Vierra, 85, of Quaker Manor Portsmouth, RI, passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI.He was the husband of Gloria M. Miller Vierra. Born in Middletown, RI on July 24, 1924, he was the son of the late Henry and Louise Leander Vierra. Mr. Vierra attended Middletown Schools, including the Old Weatherbee School. He served in the US Air Force and the U.S. Marine Corps, during World War II and the Korean War. Anthony served in Special Investigations receiving many service medals, including the Bronze Star and the Good Conduct Medal. He started out as a Marine Corps Drill Instructor and later a Staff Sargeant. After the service Mr. Vierra was employed as a painter, carpenter and mason. Anthony worked as a Newport Auxiliary Police Officer and later as Special Police Officer for the town of Middletown, where he became the first Animal Control Officer to receive special certification and training. He retired from the Middletown Police Department with marks in expert handgun. Anthony was an avid fisherman, and entered many striper bass tournaments and also enjoyed camping. Known for his music, dancing, playing various instruments, but most important for his guitar playing and singing he was well known for Portuguese Music and Serenading People Door to Door on Christmas Eve for many years, and also for singing every Christmas Eve at midnight over the police radio in his cruiser for the officers at work. Anthony loved animals, expert horseback rider, including polo and steeple chasing. Most of all, he loved dogs and is survived by his grand dog, Lady. Besides his wife of 57 years, he is survived by his daughter Debra Vierra Murphy of Jamestown, RI, his step father Antone Rodrigues of Portsmouth, RI, his sister Clara Nunes of Middletown, RI, his uncle Manuel Leander of Middletown, RI, his aunt Albertina Reiter of Newport, RI and many cousins, nieces and nephews.He was the father of the late Henry Vierra, the son of the late Louise Leander Vierra Rodrigues and the brother of the late Mary Oliveira. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2009, at 10:00 am in Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. Burial will be private. Donations in his memory may be made to Robert Potter League For Animals, PO Box 412, Newport, RI 02840.
Tributes
"Deb: Our sincere condolences for your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts."
"Debby, Please accept my deepest sympathy on the death of your father. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Patty"
"Debbie and Family Members, As artistic director of The Jamestown Community Theatre, I would like to express our condolences on the passing of Debbie's father. Reading his obituary, I know that he was fond of music, just as Debbie. Obviously, a showman, I love that he serenaded door to door on Christmas Eve. I know he will be remembered by many. Please know that we are thinking of him and of all of you at this time. Now, on Christmas Eve, all of you should serenade others, just as he did! Best Wishes, The Jamestown Community Theatre"
"Deb: Please accept my warmest sympathy on the passing of your Dad. I too have lost my parents and know full well how diffucult it is to loss a a loved one. You are in our thought and prayers. Warmest personal reagrds, Dave and Sandy Dennis"
"Dear Deb, I am very sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Truly, Diane Parent"
"When I saw Tony's obituaries in the paper I felt a heartfelt sadness,Tony was a wonderful friend and co-worker at MPD. Deb, my condolences to you and your family, you are my prayers! Drew 22"
"To the family, We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayers are with you all ."
"R.I.P. "101"... We shared many a laugh over poker, usually at the expense of others. To Deb, my condolences, he was a great man. Proud of his daughter and what she had become. He will be missed."
"DEBRA, MY HEARTFELT PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME FOR YOUR LOSS"
"To the Vierra Family, May each of you find comfort in knowing that God is "near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves." Psalm 34;18 He has promised to soon "swallow up death forever...and wipe the tears from all faces." Isaiah 25;8 Take care,"