Manuel A. "Manny" Canastra

Manuel Amaral "Manny" Canastra, 83, of Haines City, Florida passed away on April 1, 2025 at his home with his loving family by his side.
He was the husband of Nancy (Townley) Canastra, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage.
He was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the son of the late Manuel and Maria (Amaral) Canastra, and grandson of the late Rosa (Dias) Canastra and Francisco and Deolinda (Rebelo) Amaral. He resided in New Bedford until December 1996 before moving to Florida.
He attended New Bedford High School, Bristol Community College and Fisher Junior College. He was employed by Fiber Leather, was a custodian at Southeastern Massachusetts University and was a driving instructor for Al Torman Driving School. In retirement while living in Florida, he was employed by the Cleveland Indians spring training and several golf courses.
Manny served 36 years in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, serving two tours on active duty during the Berlin Crisis and the Vietnam War with Battery A 1st Battalion 221th field artillery. During his service he received various awards. He was devoted and proud of his service to his country. He was a member of American Legion Post 1, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3260 Poirier Post, Disabled American Veterans Dr. CE Burt Chapter 7, Cape Verdean-American Veterans Association, American Portuguese War Veterans, National Guard Enlisted Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 0499, Howland Chapter, National Guard Association, Order of Saint Barbara (patron saint of field artillery) and National Museum of the United States Army.
Manny was proud to march in the New Bedford parades with the different organizations to which he belonged. He was an avid sports fan who loved the New England Patriots, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays. He also enjoyed playing golf in his retirement years in several leagues with many friends.
He loved to watch his children and grandchildren play sports. Manny spent many years coaching youth sports and also Fall River and Taunton semi pro football. One of his greatest accomplishments besides his family was coaching the Verdean Vets Youth football team and he was proud of how they developed into the men they are today.
He was proud of his Portuguese heritage being brought up in the north end of New Bedford he was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church and his family was involved with the St. Michael's Club, the Senhor da Padra Club and Our Lady of Angels of Fairhaven. He attended many feasts and processions with family and friends.
He is survived by his loving wife Nancy; his children, Tammy Canastra Callahan and her husband Danny of Florida, Kyle T. Canastra and his girlfriend Jeanne Butler of Rochester, Tracey M. Canastra and her husband Mike of Florida, Kelly A. Kane and her husband Peter of New Bedford; his grandchildren, Taylor M. Canastra, Sierra R. Canastra and Maxwell P. Kane; several nieces and nephews; two Godchildren and several cousins.
He was predeceased by his son Matthew Emanuel Canastra, his daughter-in-law, Karen M. Canastra, and his granddaughter, Abbigayle E. Callahan.
His Funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 15th at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Lawrence Church at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Monday, April 14th from 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at National Processing Center, P.O. Box 758541 Topeka, KS 66675-8541, www.woundedwarriorproject.org