Manuel B. Da Cunha
LOWELL Manuel B. Da Cunha, 87, of Lowell, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill with his loving family by his side. In January of 1963, he married Bernardete M. (Leal) Da Cunha with whom he shared 57 years of marriage before she passed away in January of 2020.
Manuel was born in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal and was a son of the late Henrique Tomas Da Cunha and the late Luisa (Espinola) Bettencourt. He was raised in Graciosa, where he attended the area schools. While in Portugal, he served in Portuguese military and also worked the fields. On September 20, 1975, Manuel and Bernardete relocated to the United States with their daughter and son, settling in Lowell.
He resided in the Back Central Street neighborhood; was a communicant of St. Anthony Church; and member of the Holy Ghost Society in Lowell. He worked as a machine operator at Majilite, Autotronics, and the Lowell Sun, before retiring from Joan Fabrics at the age of 62. He was very good with his hands and always found a way to fix anything. Manuel had a great sense of humor and was and loved sharing stories of the old days. He enjoyed gardening and tending to his grape vines and fruit trees. Manuel will be remembered for his delicious wine he shared with the community, up until his very last years. Although he had many hobbies throughout his life, spending time with his family and grandchildren brought him the most joy.
Manuel is survived by his daughter, Livramento Bettencourt of Lowell; and his son, Jose L. Cunha and his fianceé , Mariana Azocar of Lowell. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Melanie Vieira of Lowell, Jordan Bettencourt and his wife, Shavon of Lowell, Ryan Bettencourt of Lowell, Elisa Ferriter of Lowell, Aurelia (Miles) Azocar-Cunha of Lowell, and Mirabelle Azocar-Cunha of Lowell; and her great grandchildren, Cameron Vieira of Dracut, Chloe Vieira of Dracut, Valentina Bettencourt of Lowell, and Santino Bettencourt of Lowell.
He is also survived by his siblings, Reinaldo Cunha, Lourdes Espinola Filomena Mendonca, and Celina Melo; and many nephews and nieces. He also leaves behind his brothers and sisters in laws, his cousins, his nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family both in North America and the Azores.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was welcomed into heaven by his sister, the late Maria Leal.
On Thursday, December 1, 2022 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, 978-458-6816.
His funeral mass will be offered at 12:30 p.m. at St. Anthony Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell, followed by burial at St. Patrick Cemetery in Lowell. His funeral Mass will be live streamed here which will be live on or around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Donations in his memory may be made to: American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or at: American Cancer Society Online Donation Link