Manuel do Carmo

Manuel Luis do Carmo

1933-2014 PITTSFIELD Manuel Luis "Louie" do Carmo of Pittsfield and Algarve, Portugal died Friday, January 24, 2014 at his daughter and son in law's home, John and Luisa Economou of Lee, MA. Born in Alcobaca, Portugal on December 26, 1933; son of Joaquim and Bemvinda Maria do Carmo. He immigrated to this country in 1959 to be with his sister Maria and husband Frenando Paulo. He married his first wife the late Aida do Carmo in Ludlow, MA in 1960. She predeceased him in 1978. After working several years in the Springfield area construction trade with his brother- in- law, he purchased the company and started his own construction company: M. Luis Contractors. For anyone who knew "Louie" this was not unusual, since he never questioned himself and was always ready to accept a challenge and overcome any obstacles. Louie decided to move with his wife and daughter to Pittsfield, MA in 1967. He completed many masonry projects in the area which are still standing as proud monuments of his trade. An example of his talent exists in one of his favorite memories: an impressive stone fireplace at the former "Dakota Restaurant" that he showed his granddaughter many years later, which survived a devastating fire. Louie had a great passion for the game of soccer. In the 1970's, Louie formed a club soccer team "The Pittsfield Stars". This passion carried over until his senior years when he would spend many afternoons cheering for his favorite teams: Sporting F.C. (Portugal) and Real Madrid. He married his second wife Maria Luisa in 1985. She moved here to their home on Elberon Ave in Pittsfield with him and started their special life together. From then on Louie enjoyed his life to the fullest after his retirement in Algarve, Portugal; with frequent visits to the Berkshires. After 28 years of marriage, Maria Luisa passed away tragically on 01/07/2014. Louie's greatest joy was spending time with his family and seeing his sense of entrepreneurship continue with his daughter and son-in-law's businesses: Pittsfield Precious Metals, LuJohn's Auctioneers, and most recently The Rainbow Restaurant. May you remember him for his infectious smile, zeal for life, and innumerable, great adventure stories that he would share from his youth. He leaves his daughter; Luisa Economou and her husband John of Lee. He also leaves his most cherished love: granddaughter; Katerina Eleni Economou. Three sisters; Delfina Paulo, Regina Suzano and Emilia Canhoto all of Chicopee, MA. He was predeceased by his brothers; Mario do Carmo and Delfim do Carmo late of Portugal and Joaquim do Carmo late of Springfield. He was also predeceased by his sister; Maria de Jesus Paulo late of Boca Raton, FL and Chicopee, MA. FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services for Manuel Luis "Louie" do Carmo of Pittsfield who died January 24, 2014 will be held Wednesday at 8:15 AM from the DERY FUNERAL HOME in Pittsfield followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:00 AM at St. Joseph Church celebrated by the Rev. Michael Shershanovich, pastor. Burial will follow in St. Aloysius Cemetery in Indian Orchard, MA. Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations in memory of "Louie" may be made to St. Joseph's Food Pantry or a charity of one's choice, in care of the Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St. Pittsfield, MA 01201.