Antone Alves (Tony) Bettencourt Jr. died peacefully at home on Tuesday morning, Feb. 9.

He was born April 15, 1942, and lived in Edgartown his entire life. He was the son of Antone and Adeline Bettencourt.

Tony was a gardener with an amazing green thumb. He would often be seen tending to the dahlias of the walkway of the Emily Post house on Fuller street. In his earlier years he was also a commercial scalloper.

He joined the Edgartown fire department in 1962, moved up in the ranks to fire chief in 1988. He would remain chief for 17 years until his retirement in 2005. His 43 years of dedicated service is something his family will cherish forever.

He was a board member of the Edgartown Boys Club on High street, where he grew up just a stone’s throw away. He worked hard with other volunteers to build the new club off Robinson Road where it remains today.

Tony became an avid golfer, eventually joining the Edgartown Golf Club. He met great golfers over the years, many of them lifelong friends. He played seven days a week in any weather. He would play in every Island benefit tournament he could. He recorded six holes in one — an amazing accomplishment for any golfer.

In his later years he enjoyed the winter months in Florida, of course playing golf with an occasional trip to the casino. The picture of him celebrating a big win in Foxwoods explains his love for life, family and friends.

He is survived by his longtime partner and best friend Rhonda Fauteux; his son Tony Bettencourt; his wife Erika; and his grandchildren Kassidy, Megan, and Annie Bettencourt, Raymond Palazuelos, Richard Fauteux 3rd, Riley Fauteux, Laci Warren, Brycen Warren, Kelly Bodell, Kaz Bodell; and his favorite four-legged friend Bella.

He was interred Feb. 12 in the New Westside Cemetery — quietly, the way he went out, surrounded by his immediate family members.

Donations can be made to the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod-Hospice (https://support.givetocapecodhealth.org/donate).

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. Visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book.