Antone H. Rezendes Jr., the son of Gertrude and Antone Rezendes Sr., died peacefully and surrounded by family on Dec. 14. He was 80.

Antone (Tony) was born on Sept. 20, 1943 in Acushnet. He was raised in his family home in West Tisbury.

Tony was old school, a fundamental Islander, an “I remember-when”-er. He knew how to live off the land and he loved sharing those life skills. Hunting, fishing, clamming and crabbing brought bounty from woods and water. He had a lifetime of friends with whom he shared secret spots for landing monster stripers, bucks, or waterfowl.

Through years of stories and midnight adventures, he passed those secrets down to his children, grandchildren and anyone else who tagged along because, in his book, you were always welcome.

Although he was a man of many hats, his most important roles were those of husband, father and grandfather. If you were lucky enough to know Tony, you also knew about his family because they were his world and he devoted his life to being their anchor. He was proud of his Azorean heritage and of passing on traditions, practical skills and local history.

In his younger years, Tony solidified his work ethic as a plumber, drilling wells with his grandfather Amos Amaral, and painting houses with his dad. He then dedicated 22 years to the postal service, first at Alley’s General Store and then at the West Tisbury post office. He knew every resident’s box number and always made sure you got your mail.

Born with the gift of gab, he was eager to explain life’s simple fixes. He had a solution for everything, which came in handy when he and his wife bought a restaurant built in the 1850s.

Owning the Square Rigger Restaurant in Edgartown was one of his biggest successes. Bought in 1995, the family captained this legendary restaurant for 27 years. It was a building full of history and personality, stories and family traditions, a rite of passage for many. A place where everyone knew your name and the staff and customers largely remained the same. Through this iconic Island eatery, he could humbly share the talents of his family. For years, Tony answered the phone, baked perfect popovers and tirelessly cooked large batches of scratch-made quahog chowder.

Tony could be found daily on the porch at Alley’s, drinking coffee and laughing with his buddies. Often joined by his kin, he was predictable, a fixture of everyday West Tisbury, the derby, cribbage games and playing pool at the Portuguese American Club.

If there is any grace to be found in such a loss, it is that he passed on his knowledge and work ethic over the years. A father figure to many, he accepted anyone who came his way, happy to give them a leg up or a second chance. He was quick with a joke and could turn your day around.

Tony is survived by his wife of 49 years, Doreen Metell Rezendes; daughter Amy Del Torto and her partner Chris Joyce; son Dana Rezendes and wife Lori; daughter Jenny Dowd and her husband Mike; grandchildren, Devin and Kendra Del Torto, Nathan and Meghan Rezendes, and grand-pups Roxy, Kane, Huckleberry and Luna.

He is also survived by his siblings, Cheryll Metell and her husband Danny, and Vickie Thurber and her husband Scott McArthur, as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

A wake will be held at Chapman Funerals and Cremations in Oak Bluffs on Dec. 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. A graveside service will be held at the West Tisbury Cemetery on Dec. 30 at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow at the Portuguese Amerian Club.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Portuguese American Club Scholarship Fund.