Domingos Santos Teixeira

Domingos S. Teixeira of Dorchester passed peacefully at home on June 17th after a two-year heroic battle with (MDS) a form of blood cancer.

Beloved husband of Josefina "Fina" (Pontes) Teixeira for 66 years.

Loving father of Boston Police Department Sergeant (Retired) John Teixeira and Andrea Teixeira, both of Dorchester.

Devoted grandfather of Tanya Alves and her husband Carl Alves of Dartmouth and John "JD" Teixeira and his wife Ashlyn (Carmo) Teixeira of New Bedford.

Donu/Great-grandfather of Christian and Madison Alves, Jaiden and Tysen Teixeira.

Brother of Francisco "Bebelo" Teixeira, Maria "Tutuzinha" Teixeira, Dirce Baptista, the late Antonio "Tutu" Teixeira and Raul De Pina.

Survived by many extended family and friends.

Domingos emigrated to the United States from the island of Fogo, Cape Verde in 1949 arriving in New York and then settling in Canton, Ohio with his father, John "Toi" Teixeira. Then Domingos traveled to Massachusetts and was employed at The Peregrine White Farm in Marshfield.
Upon return to Canton, Ohio, Domingos was then employed at Crucible Steel in Midland, PA.
In 1954, Domingos returned to Fogo, Cape Verde and married the love of his life, Josefina "Fina" Brito Pontes, of Curral Grande. In February of this year, they celebrated their 66th Wedding Anniversary.
In 1956 his beloved wife Josefina and son John traveled from Fogo, Cape Verde to Sao Vicente on the Ernestina and then traveled on the Vera Cruz Ship to Lisbon Portugal. After a few months in Lisbon, they traveled by air and joined him in Canton, OH. In 1958 after the birth of their daughter Andrea in East Liverpool, OH, the family permanently relocated to Massachusetts.
In Massachusetts, Domingos was employed at General Dynamics Shipyard in Quincy and Walworth Company in Braintree.

He and Josefina worked diligently to help many family members experience the same opportunities that the United States had made possible for them.

With his entrepreneurial spirit Domingos ventured into the taxi business in the mid 1970's and owned Boston Cab #501, Pontaverde Inc. He enjoyed working with the public and the flexibility to set his own schedule that allowed him to spend time with his family and friends.
After he retired, he and Josefina traveled to Fogo, Cape Verde in 1987, first time since 1954 and 1956 and then in 1993, 1994, 2010 and 2011.

He loved to travel and visited Florida, Hawaii, Las Vegas, NV, Grand Canyon, AZ, California, Bermuda, Mexico, Grand Cayman, and many more of the beautiful Caribbean Islands.
After a couple of trips to magical Anna Maria Island on the west coast of Florida, in 1998 he purchased a condo in a retirement community where he and Josefina officially became "snowbirds" and enjoyed the mild winter temperatures, walks on the Gulf of Mexico beaches, fresh grouper and seafood and lots of Vitamin D.
He truly admired nature and enjoyed feeding the seagulls. They would sense his presence and wait on the private stretch of beach as he crossed Gulf Drive. It was a special sight to see.

One of his most memorable trips was to the Eternal City, Rome, in 2001 with Josefina, daughter Andrea and granddaughter Tanya. A highlight of that week was visiting the Vatican and attending a Papal Audience Mass in St. Peter's Square with Pope John Paul II.
They embarked from Rome on a 14 Day Transatlantic Ocean Cruise and enjoyed ports of call in Spain, France, Gibraltar, Portugal (with a visit to Our Lady of Fatima) the Azores and a final port of call, Boston, completing a 21 day trip of a lifetime!
Locally, Domingos loved to visit Onset Beach in Wareham and spent many summer weeks enjoying the village. He loved to walk to the town pier and wait for the charter fishing boat to arrive or simply chat with those fishing on the dock. Trips to Onset always included a stop at "Kool Kone" in Marion for fried clams.
Visits to Castle Island in South Boston were always enjoyable, observing all the water activities, taking long walks, meeting friends, and taking in the fresh air by the harbor.
He also loved going to Wollaston Beach and Tony's Clam Shop. A favorite summer pastime.
He and Josefina fully enjoyed their mini vacations to Mohegan and Foxwoods Casinos in Connecticut.
Domingos loved music and played the guitar and viola. He and Josefina attended many dances and events in the Boston area, New Bedford, and Scituate. They loved to dance, especially to the "Mazurka" and "Valsa".

His love of music led him to promote several dance events in Boston and New Bedford featuring traditional Cape Verdean artists and local bands. Posters and tickets were printed and distributed, halls confirmed, performers lined up. Canja and pastels always available. Those were the days!
In the late 1980's, he sponsored and brought to the United States, an extraordinary accordion player, Teodolinho Ledo Pontes, better known as Mino de Mama, Josefina's cousin, and many family and friends were able to enjoy the wonderful music. Mino de Mama later became an ambassador and icon of the music from the island of Fogo, Cape Verde.
At home, Domingos enjoyed gardening, planting seeds for corn, squash, and other fresh vegetables.
He was a horse racing enthusiast. His loved for horse racing started at an early age in Fogo, Cape Verde. His Father "Toi" owned one of the most famous racing horses in the history of Fogo, known as "COMA BRANCO".
Domingos enjoyed countless hours of TV entertainment including all genres of music on You Tube: Cape Verdean Mornas and Coladeiras, Portuguese Fado, Gypsy Violin, Brazilian Guitar Sambas, Mazurkas and Waltzes, and his favorite American artist, Dean Martin. Some of his favorite TV games were "The Price is Right", "Wheel of Fortune", and "Family Feud". He was a huge fan of old-time westerns and movies and of course sitcom shows, especially Sanford & Son. His laughter could be heard echoing throughout the house.
He adored animals, especially former family pets and loyal companions, King a Chow Chow and Tiny a Toy Manchester Terrier.

He had a terrific sense of humor, loved to joke with all, young and old, and will be remembered for his generosity and love of laughter.
Domingos was resilient and unbelievably strong and will be truly missed by all of us who knew him and loved him.
Domingos, Rest in Eternal Paradise!


Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, visitation at the funeral home will be private.
Family and friends are welcome to attend the celebration Mass in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 400 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA on Monday June 22nd at 11:30 am. Interment will follow to New Calvary Cemetery, Mattapan (Boston).
For the safety and health of all, please practice social/personal distancing in the church and at the cemetery.
Massachusetts issued an Order effective Wednesday, May 6th requiring face masks or cloth face coverings in public places. Please wear a mask or covering.