Dr. Manuel Carreiro

Dr. Manuel C. Carreiro of North Haven, CT, age 70, died on March 22, 2017. His wife of forty years, Shelley, and daughter, Erin, were with him at the end, as they had been in life. Manny's love for and devotion to not only them, but to others, is a reflection of who he was throughout his life. Manny emigrated to this country from São Miguel in the Azores, Portugal when he was a boy. His father brought his family to America, settling in New Bedford, MA, so that his three sons could be educated. Manny was the first to go to college, paving the way for many in his extended family who were to follow. He received his B.A. from Southeastern Massachusetts University, now UMass Dartmouth, an M.A. from Indiana University in Spanish and Portuguese Literature, and a Ph.D. from Boston College in Higher Education Administration. He completed post-doctoral studies at the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University. His first job in higher education was at SMU. He worked full-time while also pursuing his doctorate full-time. Starting there in 1973 as Head Resident, he became Acting Director of Residential Life and then Director. In 1979, he was hired as Dean of Student Affairs at New England College and then in 1983 came to Quinnipiac College as Dean of Students, later becoming Vice President/Dean of Student Affairs. His career in higher education spanned over forty years. Recently retired, he worked for thirty-two years at Quinnipiac University. As Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs, he was responsible for residential life, campus life, career services, athletics, student health services, counseling, and campus ministry. He mentored hundreds of students over the years, many of whom followed in his footsteps by pursuing careers in student affairs and some who adopted his exclusive wearing of bow ties. In 2014, the university's annual student leadership conference was renamed the Dr. Manuel C. Carreiro Leadership Institute. As he once said, "My students have been and will continue to be the centerpiece of my career." Anyone whose life was touched by Manny would tell you he was warm, kind, funny, gentle, thoughtful, creative, smart, charismatic, romantic, endearing, and good. A non-discriminating hugger and kisser, all within his reach were likely recipients. He was a dear man. An animal lover who was particularly fond of pigs, he was always indulgent of his wife's and daughter's wishes to have and care for a small menagerie of their own. He loved music, the ocean, theater, the Red Sox, playing cards, lively conversation, and food, often introducing (or subjecting, depending on your opinion) colleagues, students, and friends to foods they otherwise never would have tried. A friend called him the most interesting man he had ever known. Manny was predeceased by his father, Jaime, mother, Isaura, and younger brothers, José and Louis. A private funeral service was held on March 29 in Acton, MA. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 29 at 11:30 a.m. at the United Church on the Green in New Haven, CT. Should anyone like to make a memorial contribution to the Dr. Manuel "Manny" Carreiro Endowed Student Leadership Scholarship, checks should be made payable to Quinnipiac University and mailed to Quinnipiac University, Office of Development AH-DVP, 275 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518. On the check's memo, please note "Carreiro Memorial Scholarship." The family respectfully requests that messages not be left on the tribute wall.