Manuel Barros Jr.,64, of Providence, passed away peacefully at RI Hospital on Thursday February 17, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. He was a legendary singer and songwriter for over 45 years, and the lead vocalist of TWYCE. Born in Providence, son of the late Manuel and Alice M (Pina) Barros Sr. He is survived by his wife Donna R Coleman, two daughters, Donetta F Barros Jones and her husband Gary of Cranston and Dina N Dray of Hawaii, son, Frank Wilson and his wife Kris of CT, grandchildren Jazandra F Barros, Grace A Dray, Jeziah M Jones and Kaikua Dray Cleveland. Brothers, Richard A Barros and his wife Roberta of Providence RI, Paul D. Barros of California, sisters Donna Smith, Prov, and Susan L Barros, N Prov, and the late Paulette D Barros. Manny leaves a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and fans.
Manny was a legendary singer and songwriter, and the lead vocalist of TWYCE. The smooth, melodic baritone voice of Manny Barros has delighted audiences for over 45 years in many of Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut's popular and finest entertainment venues.
Manny began his music career as a teenager in the band The Twilighters, along with group members Jeffrey
Osborne, Victor and Perry "Tiny"�Tavares of "Tavares"�, and John R Byrd.

As he entered into adulthood he became the opening act for popular artists like Isaac Hayes, Barry White, The Orlons, and The Chiffons.
By the mid 70's Manny found himself in Philadelphia as a songwriter with Joe Jefferson and Charlie Simmons, songwriters for the popular 70's band the Spinners.
Manny's love for music and an audience put him back behind the microphone with "Perfect Time" a duo with his long time friend Milton Javery. After a brief hiatus Manny returned to the performing arts with the encouragement and coaching from Rose Weaver in an off Broadway tour of "Stepping Out". In the early 80's, he started "Fokis"� a popular dance band in many Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts dance clubs. As the 80's drew to a close "Fokis"�reorganized and expanded and became "TWYCE", one of Rhode Island's favorite club entertainments. With Manny Barros as manager and lead vocalist, an evening with "TWYCE" was an evening to remember.
Whether it was a wedding, birthday, bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah, Christmas and special events, the sounds of Manny Barros & TWYCE are forever etched in the memories of so many.
Along with his strong passion for music, Manny also had a genuine love for the people in his community, particularly those in need. The Alice M. (Pina) Barros Foundation, that was instrumental in providing burial assistance to families. The Barros Center for the Arts, provided art classes for the youth and their families, and a summer day camp at no cost to families. The community garden provided a teaching experience and the harvest from the garden with whole community to enjoy. And nothing was better than a day going fishing with Manny. Plus you could always count on Manny to provide the best summer music extravaganza at his home, featuring many of RI, MA and CT finest musicians, vocalists and poets. Manny's generosity, kindness, integrity, wisdom, guidance leadership, professionalism, and genuine friendship will be sorely missed.
Visitation at the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Higginson Ave, Lincoln RI, Tuesday February 22, 2011 from 5:00pm-8:000pm. Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, February 23, 2011 10:00am at the Keefe Funeral Home.