Business owners, workers and residents remember him as the fit, energetic Portuguese man who would journey up and down Queen St. on his sporty mountain bike.
Mota, 77, died while doing what he loved — riding his bike. He was struck Monday by a garbage truck as he rode along Queen St., and died two days later in hospital.
His family is struggling to understand how the horrific crash occurred.
"Our family is understandably upset, but we accept it was an accident," said Arlene Mota, 41, Tony Mota's youngest of two daughters. "It's really hard to come to terms with the whole thing; my dad was hit so hard. He had a fractured skull, blood clotting on each side of his head...I can't imagine the impact my father had to endure."
Peel Regional Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information on the crash, which occurred just after 7:30 a.m. when a privately owned garbage truck hit Mota from behind as he rode in the northbound curb lane, just south of Ellen St.
Mota had been at Tim Hortons for a coffee and chat with friends. He was only seconds from home when he was struck.
A 28-year-old Mississauga man was driving the 1987 Mack disposal truck that hit Mota, who was taken to St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Police say it's too early to determine if charges will be laid.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 905-453-2121, ext. 3410 or Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Mota came to Canada from the Portuguese island of São Miguel in 1954. The father of two and his wife, Maria, would have celebrated their 46th anniversary later this month.
He worked as a millwright at Reid Milling in Streetsville before retiring several years ago.
Arlene Mota said her father was an avid cyclist and an athletic, healthy man.
"He was the best dad and the best grandfather," she said, referring to his two grandchildren.
On Thursday in Streetsville, people on street corners and in coffee shops were talking about the tragic accident.
Helen Boyd, who lives on Queen St., recalled how Mota would start his ride in the early morning and sometimes not return until mid-afternoon.
"I think he woke up with the roosters," she said. "It was great to see an elderly person still filled with so much life."
Visitation is tomorrow from 3-9 p.m. at Lee Funeral Home in Streetsville, and funeral services are Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church (5440 Durie Rd.).
lrosella@mississauga.net
