Agostinho "Gus" Ribeiro

Albany - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Agostinho S. “Gus” Ribeiro on September 29, 2023, at age 86, a cherished son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Gus' departure from this world leaves a void that will be felt deeply by all who knew him. Agostinho was born October 9,1936, the son of Manuel da Silva Ribeiro and Ana de Jesus, in the Village of Ponta do Sol on the picturesque, yet impoverished, Island of Madeira, Portugal. At age 19, he left his homeland to work in South America and seek a better life for himself. He earned enough to return to Madeira four years later, get married, buy a house, and start a family. His desire for a better life for his family propelled him through a remarkable 6,500 mile journey, that included surviving a 1967 earthquake in Venezuela and traveling through the Blizzard of 1969 in New York. He established residences in Madeira and Venezuela, as well as Newburgh, New Windsor, and Albany, NY. His journey culminated in a 30-year career in construction and paving. His strong work ethic enabled him to become foreman on numerous infrastructure projects in the Hudson Valley of New York. Gus will also be remembered for his dedication to family, and to making their lives better than his own life. He was a devoted husband of 63 years to Matilde, and together they created loving homes on three different continents. As a father, Gus' guidance knew no bounds. He took pride in nurturing his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, instilling in them the values of hard work and perseverance. He also sponsored two nieces to emigrate to the U.S., where they raised their beautiful families. After he retired, he delighted in picking up his grandchildren from school, and caring for them in the afternoon. He had an infectious smile, and friendly manner, along with an unfettered passion for gardening and winemaking. He was an itinerant gardener with garden plots at his home, both children's homes, and in a community garden. Everyone marveled at his bountiful harvests of zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, grapes, and much more. Agostinho “Gus” Ribeiro leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and hard work. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Matilde Lobo Ribeiro, his children, Agostinho J. Ribeiro (Lisa) and Margarita Ribeiro Farley (Dan), his grandchildren, Joseph, Nicholas, Mia, and Lucia, and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and friends, all of whom have been profoundly touched by his presence in their lives. He is predeceased by two brothers (Manuel, Vicente) and one sister (Isabel). Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating the remarkable life of Agostinho S. “Gus” Ribeiro at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206 on October 8, 2023, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Please only enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance. All are welcome to attend Agostinho’s Funeral Mass on October 9, 2023, at 9:00 am in Blessed Sacrament Church, 607 Central Avenue, (Father John Bradley Way) Albany, NY, with the Rite of Committal to immediately follow at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Colonie, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church in Albany, NY. The family thanks the doctors, nurses, and staff at Albany Medical Center who provided care during Gus' final days. To honor his memory, let us cherish our loved ones, embrace new journeys, and live our lives with the same passion and persistence that defined Gus' time with us. Descanse em paz, Agostinho. Your work on Earth is done. May your spirit guide and inspire us. To leave the Ribeiro family a message on their guestbook, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.mcveighfuneralhome.com

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Agostinho "Gus" Ribeiro

October 9, 1936 - September 29, 2023