Antone "Chubby" Tavares

Antone Lawrence “Chubby” Tavares, 81, of Tamarac, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on November 29, 2025. Born in Providence, RI, he was the loving son of the late Feliciano “Flash” and Albina (Gomes) Tavares.

Chubby was a member of the six brother’s R&B musical group Tavares, which was nationally and internationally known. Prior to Tavares, the group was known as Chubby and the Turnpikes. The Tavares brothers, with the help of their manager Brian Panella, signed with Capital Records during the early 1970’s. Their music and entertainment gave the whole world numerous hits, and they were recognized with gold and platinum albums and a Grammy Award. The group was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame and the R&B Music Hall of Fame. Most recently having a street in New Bedford and a street in the Fox Point neighborhood in Providence named after the brothers.

While Chubby lived a full life, he never forgot where he came from. He was proud of his Cape Verdean heritage and would always tell his kids’ stories of growing up in Fox Point as well as his days at the Fox Point Boys Club where he spent a lot of his time with his brothers and his friends. Throughout his years, Chubby resided between New Bedford, Rhode Island and Florida. When not performing, he enjoyed cooking his Cape Verdean meals, restoring and tinkering with his MG Midget car, and before taking ill, his favorite pastime was playing golf with family and friends. After retiring due to illness, Chubby enjoyed spending time on his terrace creating his signature mini entertainment dolls.

Chubby is survived by his longtime love, Cheri Harris of Tamarac; his daughters, Lynne Tavares of New Bedford, and Vanessa Tavares of Florida; his son, Antone Tavares and his longtime companion Linda Lopes of New Bedford; his siblings, John “Funna” Tavares, Victor Tavares, Feliciano “Butch” Tavares, Jr., Perry “Tiny” Tavares, Jenny “Wowa” Mello and Deolinda “Pitch” Borges; his grandchildren, Kelsey Tavares of New Bedford, Shana and Lauren Baker of Fall River, Andre and Zallah Lopes Tavares of Florida, Isaiah Tavares of Boston, Tyrell Tavares of Rhode Island, Kiejhay Tavares of California, and Cheyenne Tavares, Candace Tavares, Ciara LaTouche and Chace LaTouche of Florida; two bonus grandsons, Greyson and Jaxson Munson of Florida; and several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was the father of the late Jason Tavares and Ryan Tavares, and brother of the late Ralph Tavares, Arthur “Pooch” Tavares, and Eva Timm.

Proud Is An Understatement 

So When We Hear Your Voices Unexpectedly 

We Smile, Shed A Tear And Remember The Joy The Brothers Brought 

Your Love & Legacy Lives Forever

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor, with details of the celebration to be announced at a later date. Chubby’s children would also like to thank Cheri Harris for her love and devotion to their father. She made sure that his health was of the utmost importance and ensured that he was home and comfortable during his illness, and for that they will always be grateful.