Julio C. Antunes, Jr.

Julio Antunes, 80, of Westford, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born November 2, 1944, Julio lived his years with gusto, good humor, and a soundtrack spanning from Bob Dylan and Credence Clearwater Revival to — in one of the great plot twists of our time — Adam Lambert.

He was one of one, a man of many interests and even taller tales: Twist champion, heralded youth sports star, karaoke aficionado, MIAA track official, portrait artist, amateur power lifter, and local hero who in his youth once saved a pair of elderly women (one of them legally blind!) from a burning building. In any encounter with Julio - whether a friend, family member, or casual passerby - you were certain to be regaled with one of these larger-than-life tales and even more certain to be better off for the listening.

In his role as Grampa, Julio was an instant hit — famous for his epic bedtime stories, fierce chess competitiveness (no mercy, even against a 4 year old), and fishing savvy. “Goofy Grampa” was adored for his humor and playfulness, and his young heart and will be missed terribly.

He played the lottery often, dreaming like so many of overcoming the long odds and winning. But those who knew him knew that the exercise was unnecessary, since in life he had already won. Wandering Hampton Beach with his friends, guitar, and not a shoe to his name in the late 1960s, he charmed Juanita, a girl from the North Country. Together they built an exceptional life in Westford, explored Europe, roadtripped with the kids, and fell in love with the National Parks.

Devoted husband of 55 years to Juanita; proud father of Melissa and Chris; beloved father-in-law to Radek and Beverly; cherished brother to Alice, Albert, Rosie, Evelyn and Mary Ann; adored Grampa to Kalina, Miles, Owen and Calvin, to whom he passes on his quick wit, enormous heart, and love of a good story. A true original, Julio leaves behind a legacy of laughter and cherished memories.

A visitation will be held on Monday, October 27, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Westford Healy Funeral Home 57 N. Main Street in Westford, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Jimmy Fund, ℅ Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. You can also honor Julio by turning up your favorite song, jumping on the Drake Maye bandwagon this year, and living life the way he did — full of flair, strong convictions, and enduring love for his family and friends.