Manuel Pinto, 90, formerly of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, in Portugal. He was born on April 3, 1935, in Portugal, to the late Antonio Soares Pinto and Maria Marques de Oliveira. Manuel was the beloved husband of Emilia M. Pinto until her passing in 2002. He later remarried Ana De Jesus Faria Pinto, who survives him.
A devoted and hardworking man, Manuel was employed by the former Bethlehem Steel as a cement finisher for 19 years before retiring in 1992. He took great pride in his craft and was a longtime member of the United Steelworkers of America. In addition to his work at Bethlehem Steel, Manuel also worked at Lusitania Bakery. Earlier in life, he honorably served in the Portuguese Military, a commitment that reflected his deep sense of duty and love for his homeland.
Manuel was deeply connected to his Portuguese heritage and community. He was one of the founders of Portuguese Heritage Day, a festival that has been celebrated for more than 40 years and continues to honor Portuguese culture today. He was also a longtime board member and treasurer of the Portuguese American Club of Bethlehem, where he helped write the organization's bylaws and worked tirelessly to support the club and preserve Portuguese traditions for future generations.
His faith was central to his life. Manuel was a devoted parishioner of Holy Infancy Roman Catholic Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and was an active and dedicated supporter of the parish.
Manuel is survived by his wife, Ana De Jesus Faria Pinto, of Portugal; his son, Antonio (Sara) Pinto of Ohio; his daughters, Grace (Jose) Marinho, Maria (Joseph) Smith, and Isabel (John) Hill, all of Bethlehem; and his seven grandchildren, Ann, Christina M., Tony, Kevin, Ryan, Simon, and Christina S.
In addition to his parents and first wife, Manuel was preceded in death by his brother, Osvaldo Pinto.
Family and friends are invited to his visitation Monday, January 26, 2026 from 1-2pm at the Connell Funeral Home, Inc. 245 East Broad Street-Bethlehem followed by a memorial service 2pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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