On June 20th, 2023, Manuel "Manny" Avelar devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many, passed away peacefully at age 82 surrounded by loved ones at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center. He was married to his beloved wife Maria Elsa one day shy of 53 years. Manuel was born on September 17th, 1940, to Francisco Coelho and Maria Linhares Avelar in Lages, Terceira, Azores, Portugal. Manuel had two brothers and one sister, all who immigrated to the U.S. to provide a better life for their families. He immigrated to the United States in 1969 and became a U.S. Citizen in 1974.

Manuel left school at 10 years old and at 12 began working his first job as a general store clerk in his village of Lages. He served in the Portuguese Army for one year, and in 1970 he married Maria Elsa Avila Da Costa from Fontinhas, Terceira, Azores. They would later have a daughter and a son. After buying their home in Pawtucket, RI in 1977, he and Maria become parishioners at St. Anthony’s Parish in Pawtucket, RI. They became devout members of the parish’s Holy Spirit Society where they volunteered their time for 25 years, and he remained fiscal council until his passing. Manuel also volunteered his time to the Banda Nova Aliança, a philharmonic marching band, for 20 years as the treasurer and re-mained a member until his death.

With little education and humble roots, Manuel began working in the U.S. as a machine operator at Cadillac Textiles in Cumberland, RI. He would later take on a second job as a carpenter’s apprentice working for Julio Santos contracting for many years where he would hone his skill for precision craftsmanship. Later, he worked for C.J. Pearson Yachts (Bristol), and Modern Industries in Providence. While holding his full-time job, Manuel would work side jobs establishing himself as a highly sought-after handyman. His strong work ethic and desire to provide for his family was second to none. He cherished his family and friends and loved spending time with them. He also enjoyed traveling, watching soccer, and sipping on a glass of red wine. Anyone who met Manny found a kind human being willing to help anyone and always with a welcoming smile on his face. Manuel is survived by his loving wife Maria Elsa, his children Susy Peddle and her husband Jeffrey, Victor Avelar and his wife Christine, his brother Jose O. Avelar and his wife Maria C., his grandchildren Ryan Clemente, and his spouse Kenneth Testa Jr., Halley Peddle, Chloe Peddle, Christopher Clemente, Celia Avelar, and Marcus Avelar. Manuel is predeceased by his sister Maria Avila and his brother Francisco O. Avelar.

Dad, you’ll live on forever in our hearts. We love you so much. Rest in peace.

Private calling hours for Manuel will be held on Saturday June 24th , 2023 from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Higginson Avenue, Lincoln RI. Public are invited to visit from 9:30 to 10:30 followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 am at St Anthony’s Church 32 Lawn Ave, Pawtucket, RI. Burial will be held in Mt. St. Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nathan’s Angels Foundation (https://nathansangels.com/) or Banda Nova Aliança of 43 Humboldt Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860.