R&B and soul band, Tavares, was made up of five brothers: Ralph Vierra Tavares, Arthur Paul “Pooch” Tavares, Antone Lee “Chubby” Tavares, Feliciano Vierra “Butch” Tavares, Jr., and Perry Lee “Tiny” Tavares. They enjoyed tremendous success in the music industry and left behind an incredible body of work. However, a sad update came when it was announced that another one of their members has passed away.
The family shared the news of Antone’s death on Facebook. He was 81.
Remembering Antone Lee “Chubby” Tavares
“It is with great sadness that we share news of our dad Antone ‘Chubby’ Tavares passing,” the Facebook post reads, Parade reports. “He passed last night at home in peace & comfort. Within the past year, his health has declined but his spirit and attitude always remained positive. Dad and his brothers touched many people and brought Joy worldwide. They were blessed to experience many places and things. A Celebration of Life to honor him will be held at a later date. The family appreciates your prayers during this difficult time.”
The post was also shared on the official Facebook page for the Tavares Brothers. “To Our Loyal Fans, Family and Friends, We Are Saddened To Announce That Our Brother Antone ‘Chubby’ Tavares Has Passed Away,” they wrote. “Please Pray For Chubby, His Children, His Girlfiend Cheri And Our Family During This Difficult Time. We Do Know That He Is Now Eternally With Our Lord. We Thank You In Advance For Allowing Us To Mourn Privately As A Family, We Love You And God Bless You All. The Tavares Family.”
Fans Pay Their Respects
The comment section of the Tavares Facebook group’s post is filled with tributes from fans who loved Chubby. “Condolences to the Tavares family. My friend’s dad gave them one of their first breaks at his bar in Hyde Park in the ’60s. The lamp lighter lounge on Hyde Park Ave,” a comment reads.
“Tavares family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Antone “Chubby Tavares, he is now with his brother Ralph. Condolences to your family,” another fan shared. Ralph passed away on December 8, 2021. Their brother, Pooch Tavares, passed away on April 15, 2024.
Other reactions to Chubby’s death include, “Sympathies to all the tavares family,” “May God continue to bless the memory of the brother chubby Tavares,” and “Sincere condolences. I recall meeting chubby at 14 years old.”
The group was nominated for two prestigious Grammy awards. One for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal in 1982 for the song, “A Penny For Your Thoughts,” and they won a Grammy award for Album of the Year in 1978 with their album, “Saturday Night Fever.” Among their many great recordings is the international hit, “Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel.”
Sorry for loss I loved their music.God just got another Angel.
My condolences i will miss chubby he will always be in my heart.
I love thier music and always will rest in peace chubby
Rip chubby regards to the family I love y’all so much and all y’all songs
Sending sympathy and condolences to the family I grew up with The Tavares and the seventies and I enjoyed listening to the music legendary Tavares never had love like this before
I grew up listening to them in the 70s and loved Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel.
How Great they were and to the family may he RIP as the Great Father MASTER LORD has accepted him in HEAVEN where he perform eternally.
Your music touch my heart that’s when music was sane
Yesss, I absolutely Loved The entire group 😍❤️🔥😔🙌🏽💫🌿🌺🌿😭😭😭
Their make you get up and dance, and sing along iconic trailblazing music Always got me in a great mood.
I’d dance, and sing along with their entire album when it was released.
God Bless the Tavares family and their children and grandchildren! 3 brothers now reside in their Heavenly abode, joining all the music greats that have gone before them! PARTY HEARTY FOREVER!