Chatham-Kent has lost one of the pillars of its Portuguese community.
Antonio do Forno passed away at Chatham-Kent Hospice on Sunday, October 12 at the age of 90.
Do Forno moved to Canada in 1966. In 1971, he co-founded the Portuguese Canadian Social Club of Chatham, serving as its first president. He also helped establish Portuguese language classes in Chatham, Leamington, Wheatley and other communities in southwestern Ontario.
Do Forno is being remembered for his hospitality to countless immigrants as they adjusted to life in Canada, welcoming many into his home and helping them start new lives in their adopted country.
According to his obituary, do Forno earned numerous accolades and recognition from the Province of Ontario and the Portuguese government, including the Medal of Merit of the Portuguese Communities by the Secretary of State for the Portuguese Communities and the Certificate of Exemplary Service to Canada in 2025.
Visitation is being held at Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home in Chatham on Thursday, followed by a funeral service at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Friday morning.