Obituary of Antonio Nunes Biscaia

Antonio Nunes Biscaia, 90, died peacefully, at his home after a short battle with Parkinson’s. Antonio came to the United States from Portugal in 1945 at the ending of World War II. His journey in this new land began in the San Joaquin Valley. It was in this region he met with his father Mario Biscaia who was working in the fields to provide stability for his family back home in Portugal. Antonio continued in agriculture following his father’s return to his homeland. It was in the San Joaquin Valley that Antonio began a trucking business with a close friend. For several years, they hauled produce throughout major cities such as Sacramento. Following in 1962, Antonio began his farming business by taking his wife, Theresa, and their son, Mario, to live in Terminous, California. Antonio understood the importance of family and friends. In Terminous, his father-in-law, Diamantino Ratola, Sr. worked with Antonio to begin plowing the land. Soon, Antonio and his brother, Ernesto, began a lifelong partnership which in later years encompassed their two sons Mario Biscaia and Ernie Biscaia, Jr. Years out on the Delta not only brought in beautiful harvests of corn, wheat, and barley but of many friendships within the farming community. Many of the farmers who worked with Antonio became and were considered family. Antonio’s 57-year love for farming continued even as his body was changing from the disease of Parkinson’s. He no longer could walk the miles every day up and down the fields checking waters or bending to work on equipment. However, he remained focus on life on the ranch. Although he no longer could stand or run, he would sit and talk for hours with other farmers about the planting and the harvest. Antonio will always be remembered by many for his strong work ethic, calm spirit, and generous heart. By his family he will be remembered not only for this but as a loving great-grandfather, grandfather, father and husband. Antonio married Theresa Ratola on May 24, 1959 and they were married for 50 years before she passed away. They enjoyed their children, family gatherings, and travel back to Portugal to be with his parents Mario and Julia Biscaia and his sister Regina Sarrico. Those who passed away before Antonio was his wife, Theresa Biscaia. Antonio is survived by his son Mario Biscaia (Diane), daughter Lydia Vosti (Paul), granddaughter Alexis Pigorsch (Nicholas), and great-grandson Connor Pigorsch. Due to COVID19 restrictions, there will be a private committal service at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery on December 9, 2020. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, California 95204 in the memory of Antonio Biscaia.