Manuel Armando Duque

Manuel Armando Duque (Manny), 67, passed away on April 7, 2023. He was born on February 29, 1956 to Jose and Maria Duque in Seara Velha, Chaves, Portugal. Manny emigrated from Portugal to the United States with his parents and brothers in 1965 and settled in Bridgeport, CT. He was educated in Bridgeport public schools and graduated from Central High School in 1975.
Soon thereafter, Manny began his career at Sikorsky Aircraft. Manny made numerous lifelong friends at Sikorsky where he was greatly respected as an excellent parts inspector, but more importantly, as a kind, fun loving, person of the highest integrity, just an all-around great guy. Manny retired from Sikorsky in 2021 with over 40 years of dedicated service.
In 1985 Manny married Bela Amorim Duque. They settled in Bridgeport, later moved to Stratford and finally Wallingford. They shared years of birthday parties, holidays and happy occasions, too many to count.
Manny and Bela were blessed with two daughters, Jennifer and Melissa. To say that Manny was a proud father and grandfather would be a tremendous understatement. He was a constant at all their activities, guiding them, supporting them, but most of all, loving them completely and unconditionally. No request was too great for Manny, he gave his all to be the best husband, father and grandfather he could be.
Manny gave love and friendship easily and effortlessly, asking nothing in return. So, there are many who will miss his big belly laughs, his warm hellos, and his bellowing voice. His favorite movie was The Godfather, sometimes he would wear similar hats and friends often joked that he was the Godfather. He was also a huge fan of the Yankees, going to games with family and friends was something he loved to do.
Manny is survived by his wife of 37 years, Bela Amorim Duque of Wallingford, his daughters: Jennifer Kelly (Christopher) of Newtown, and Melissa Stensland of Wallingford. His four grandchildren, Connor Kelly, Jacob Kelly, Olivia Stensland and Ava Stensland; his brothers Julio Duque and his wife Maria of Southbury, and Jose Duque of Portugal. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws who will miss him terribly. Manny was predeceased by his parents and his youngest brother, Jack.
Friends are invited to attend calling hours on Monday, May 1, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Parente-Lauro Funeral home, 559 Washington Avenue in Bridgeport. All other services will be private at the convenience of the family.