Adalberto A. ‘Al’ Cunha, 64, of Pelham, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully, after a long illness, in his home with his beloved family by his side. He was the loving husband to Rosemary (Silva) Cunha for the past 43 years.
A son of the late Manuel Cirino Cunha and the late Maria (Santos) Cunha, he was born March 30, 1959, in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal and was raised and educated there. While in Graciosa, he dedicated his time to working as a farmer, and found fulfillment in tending to his crops and livestock. In 1977 he relocated to the United States in order to raise his family and provide them a better life.
He was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church and worked as a machine operator for Interstate Container Corporation for twenty five years before retirement. He was also a member of the Portuguese American Center “The Blues Club”, the Portuguese American Civic League “The Reds Club”, the Holy Ghost Society and Trindade.
Al loved bullfights and found them to be a source of excitement and fascination. In addition, he enjoyed tending to his farm animals and working on his farm in Pelham. He also delighted in walking in the Portuguese parades with his oxen by his side. He was also an ardent supporter of S.L. Benfica.
In addition to his beloved wife, Rosemary, he is survived by his son, Nicholas and wife Michelle and granddaughter Alicia, of Nashua, NH; his Godchildren, including his Godson, whom he considered another son, Jason Melo, of Nashua, NH; as well as several nieces, nephews and family friends.
He also leaves behind his siblings, Margarida Mendonca of Peabody, Donald Lima of Graciosa, Luisa Melo of Lowell, Eduino Cunha and his wife, Lucia, of San Jose, CA and Jose Cunha and his wife Alda, of Maine; his brother in law, Mario Silva and his wife, Debbie, of Tyngshboro, and his sister in law, Mary Silva of Chelmsford.
Last but not least, he is survived by “Screper” the family dog.
He was the grandfather of the late Kaylee Cunha and brother of the late Elvino Cunha, Joao Cunha, Fatima Oliver and Mary Jo Cunha. He was also the brother in law of the late Albert Silva and Lee Silva.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors and staff at the Mass General Oncology Department and Home Health and Hospice Care of Merrimack, NH for their kindness and compassion over the years and especially during Al's final days.
On Friday, July 14, 2023, all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 9 until 11 a.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, 978-458-6816. His Funeral Mass will be held at 12 Noon at St. Anthony’s Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell followed by procession to St. Joseph Cemetery in Chelmsford. Please find us on Facebook or visit www.McDonoughFuneralHome.com to leave the family a message of condolence at any time.