Manuel Afonso

Manuel Afonso died on August 28th, 2018 at Brandon Woods Nursing Home in New Bedford, MA. He died peacefully after a long illness and surrounded by his loving family. Manuel is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Luisa (Alves) Afonso. He was the son of the late Joao Afonso and Maria Joaquina Pereira from Fervidelas, Montalegre, Portugal. Manuel was born on October 19th, 1932 in Fervidelas, Montalegre, Portugal. He leaves his daughter Susana (Afonso) Brum and her husband Steven Brum of New Bedford, daughter Maria Rosa Afonso of Mansfield and son Joao Paulo Afonso and his wife Erica Caron-Afonso of New Bedford. He was predeceased by his infant daughter Christina Afonso. Manuel had 5 grandchildren, Steven Brum Jr., Samuel Brum, Marlie Afonso, Avery Afonso and Jacob Afonso. He is also survived by his siblings Balbina Pereira and her husband Joao Pereira of Brandim, Montalegre, Portugal, and Joao Alves Afonso and his wife Maria Magro Afonso of New Bedford; as well as 11 nieces and nephews.

Manuel served in the Portuguese military in 1953. He was a skilled carpenter and built furniture. Manuel helped build the dam in Pisoes, Portugal. He then immigrated to Paris, France where he worked in construction for 8 years before immigrating to the United States where he worked in construction followed by a long career at Concordia Boat Co. of South Dartmouth, MA. Manuel took great pride in finishing Beetle Cat boats in South Dartmouth, MA before his retirement.

Manuel loved his family and his cherished friendships. In addition to his incredible work ethic, he enjoyed cultivating his garden and grape vines from which he made wine. He loved music, feasts and writing religious poetry. Manuel was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church of New Bedford and a member of the Charismatic Prayer Group and church choir.

The family would like to thank the staff of Brandon Woods Nursing Home of New Bedford and the hospice staff of Community Nurse Home Care of Dartmouth for the dedicated care they provided Manuel and support they gave the family.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA.org).

Manuel’s visiting hours will be held on Friday evening from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. at Perry Funeral Home. His funeral will be Saturday morning, beginning in the funeral home at 7:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 8:30 A.M. Burial will immediately follow in Rural Cemetery.

Arrangements placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, Ma 02740.