Manuel Fidalgo Roda

New Bedford – Manuel Fidalgo Roda, age 79, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 9, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Deolinda Malaquias (da Silva) Fidalgo Roda.

Manuel was born in Cova/Gala, Figueira da Foz, Portugal to the late Maria Marques (Fidalgo) and Manuel dos Santos Roda.

He is survived by his wife, Deolinda; 2 daughters, Ana Lucia Roda Lima and her husband John Paul Lima and Ana Isabel Roda-Fogarty and her husband Brian Matthew Fogarty; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Lima, Courtney Lima, Liam Fogarty and Niall Fogarty; his siblings, Maria Caixeiro and her late husband Manuel, Domingos Fidalgo Roda and his wife Saudade, Rosa Estrela Pereira and her husband Joaquim; a sister-in-law, Maria Gama da Silva and her husband Anibal; his only cousin Jose Manuel Fidalgo and his wife Luisa; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was a star athlete, excelling in crew, earning a Portuguese National championship in rowing. He loved all sports but futsal, soccer and his favorite Clube Sporting de Portugal was always in his heart. He moved to Mozambique where he worked until 1975, moved back to Portugal to work as a chief mechanic for Volvo and then in 1977 emigrated to the United States where he came to live the American dream. He worked as an engineer in many fishing boats until he became owner of his own fishing vessel the S. Pedro. He enjoyed reading, playing cards and Sudoku, also loved to Cast fish, but his greatest love was spending time with his family. He devoted his retirement years to his beloved grandchildren, spending countless moments teaching them about life.

A special thank you to the countless family and friends that came to spend time with Manuel during his last months of life. He loved and was loved by all whom he met throughout his life.

Manuel’s visiting hours will be on Thursday June 13, from 5-8 P.M. His funeral will be on Friday from Perry Funeral Home at 9:45 A.M. with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Julie Billiart Church at 11:00 A.M. Burial will take place at South Dartmouth Cemetery.

Arrangements placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740. Please see our website: www.perryfuneral.com for condolences.