Adelino Pereira Mendes

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Adelino, who left this earth too soon on April 14, 2020 at the age of 65. Lino was born September 18, 1954 in Igreja Nova, Braga, Portugal to Maria Isolina and Agostinho Goncalves Mendes. He was one of ten children. As a young boy, Lino found his passion in the restaurant industry and began working at a well-known establishment in Barcelos, Portugal called Hilario. At 22, as his Mother, Father and Siblings began their journey to America, his path would split. His family would head to Pennsylvania, but Lino had developed bonds and networks that would lead him on a different path. That path forever influenced his career and lifelong passion of cooking, hospitality and later on restaurant management in Mineola, Long Island NY. Lino returned back to Portugal to celebrate his nuptials to Fatima Silva Martins on September 24, 1978 in Quinta do Convento da Franquiera in Portugal. They returned back to Mineola to start their life together and begin their family. In 1980, they welcomed their first child, Carlos, and a decade later welcomed his little girl, Patricia. Lino built a beautiful life in New York for himself, and his beautiful family. Lino had always inspired to become a restaurant owner and that became true in 1988 with the opening his restaurant, O Nosso Cafe. This restaurant has been known to be a “hidden gem” serving authentic Portuguese dishes that Lino would proudly help cook and serve. Even through the lunch and dinner rushes, Lino was always smiling and greatly appreciated his local patrons. He considered his customers as a part of the family, which meant the world to him. Lino was a big soccer enthusiast cheering for his favorite European teams Porto and Gil Vicente. He looked forward to watching and sharing the games with his family and friends, unless they were Benfica fans. Lino was hardworking, generous man and an important member of the Portuguese community. There was nothing he would not do to help someone in need. He was noble and selfless, even if he didn’t have for himself, he always gave to others. Like his mother always proclaimed, “He had a huge heart and a heart of gold”. Lino’s friendliness, loyalty and the way he lit up the room was and will be cherished by his family, friends and coworkers, all whom will miss him terribly. Lino was predeceased by his twin brother (lost at birth), and Father Agostinho Goncalves Mendes. He is survived by his Mother, Maria Isolina (Pereira de Melo) Mendes; wife, Fatima Mendes; Son, Carlos Mendes and his wife Cristina; Daughter, Patricia Mendes-Ostrowski and her husband Justin; Sisters Teresa (Joe) Amorim, Rosa (Gary) Sander, Gloria (Jaime) Santos, Lucia (John) Schneck and Rosalina (Bryan) Lobach; Brothers Jose (Charla) Mendes, Belarmino Mendes, Manuel (Sofia) Mendes, and Jaime (Sharon) Mendes; Grandchildren Tyler, Evan, Justin and Lia. Lino will also be remembered by his numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, along with grandnieces and grandnephews. A private service will take place with immediate family at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury, New York. The family will hold a “Celebration of Life” to honor Lino at a later date. Please share comments, memories and photos with the family, as this will help to bring comfort to their hearts.