Antonio (Tony) Terra, 82, of Somerville, MA, passed away on January 11, 2026.
Tony was born and raised on the island of Santa Maria in the Azores, Portugal. It was there that he met his wife and the love of his life, Arina Terra. They were married in 1967 and shared 58 years of marriage, building a life grounded in love, faith, and family.
Tony came to the United States in 1968 to create a better life for himself and his family, settling in Somerville, where he remained for the rest of his life. He spent his career working in auto body repair and had an incredible talent for all things automotive. He took great pride in buying, repairing, and restoring automobiles, a skill that reflected both his craftsmanship and patience.
Tony’s life was remarkable for the way he lived it and the example he set for others. He was completely selfless, always helping those around him. Not only did he continuously build, improve, and upgrade his own home in Somerville, but he also dedicated countless hours helping his sons with projects and improvements in their homes, as well as assisting neighbors, friends, and extended family with repairs and renovations.
Tony was a tireless provider for his family. In addition to his primary employment, he often worked several side jobs, ensuring his children had every opportunity, including a Catholic education and the ability to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and more. Everything he did was driven by love and sacrifice for his family.
A man of deep faith, Tony was a regular Mass attendee at St. Agnes Parish in Arlington and a dedicated volunteer for many years with the Império Mariense of Saugus. He was a loyal friend, always ready to lend a hand, and was known for his kindness and generosity. He loved watching the Boston Bruins, enjoyed laughing and joking, and had a terrific sense of humor that brought joy to those around him.
Tony faced his illness with Parkinson’s disease with extraordinary strength and courage. No one can recall him ever complaining; instead, he continued to carry himself with dignity, resilience, and grace.
Tony is survived by his beloved wife Arina Terra; his children Steven and Michael Terra; his grandchildren Marissa, Anthony, Joshua, and Andrew; his daughters-in-law Sonya and Denise; and his sisters Conceição Figueiredo and Ourania Novo, as well as many loving nieces, nephews and godchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in memory of Antonio Terra.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Tony rest in the peace of Christ.
Visiting hours will be held at the Rogers & Hutchins Funeral, 292 Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 am.
A funeral mass will follow at St. Agnes Church, 32 Medford Street in Arlington at 11:30 am.
Tony will be laid to rest at the Calvary Cemetery in Winchester.