Manuel C. Mello

Manuel C. Mello of Fall River passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at the age of 88, after a long period of failing health. He was born May 5, 1923, in Furnas, Sao Miguel, Acores, and was the son of the late Manuel Mello and Gloria da Costa. Manuel was the devoted husband of Eugenia Ferreira; they would have celebrated 65 years of marriage this coming July 31. In addition to his wife, he leaves his daughter, Cristina Ajemian, her husband Raymond of Bridgewater, and their children, Peter and Ani; his son, Manuel Jr., his wife Irene of Fall River, and their sons, David and Matthew; his son, Lauriano (Larry), his wife Kelly of Tiverton, R.I., and their daughter, Leandra. He also leaves two great-granddaughters, Sabrina and Breanna. Manuel is survived by his sisters, Maria do Espirito Santo da Silva of Swansea, Gloria Ferreira of Fall River; and a brother, Antonio Melo of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He was predeceased by sisters, Cristina, Maria Jose; and brother, Jose Melo. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Cristina Pacheco, her husband Manuel of Fall River; brother-in-law, Joseph Ferreira, his wife Bertha of Somerset; and many nieces and nephews. Manuel was a veteran of the army of Portugal; serving two years during World War II. He became a resident of Fall River in 1949 and worked in several of the cities factories before working in road construction. He was a member of Massachusetts Laborers Local 610 for over 20 years. During that time he was employed by Campanella Corporation and Capaldi Brothers working on major projects such as the Massachusetts Turnpike and Interstate 195 in Connecticut. One of Manuels proudest moments of his life was June 23, 1969, when he became a citizen of the United States. Manuels family was much comforted by the support and care of the dedicated staff of Southpointe Rehabilitation Center of Fall River during his final illness. His funeral will be held Monday at 8 a.m. from the Oliveira Funeral Home, 215 Columbia St., followed by a funeral Mass at 9 a.m. in Santo Christo Church. Interment in Notre Dame Cemetery. Calling hours Sunday 4-8 p.m. oliveirafuneralhomes.com