Obituary of Manuel S. Cunha

Manuel S. Cunha, 71, of Peabody, passed away unexpectedly Saturday morning at the Tufts Medical Center in Boston surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Maria Clara (Mendonca) Cunha. Manuel was born on December 2, 1946 in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal, son of the late Manuel and Clarinda (Silva) Cunha. He was raised and educated there before moving to the United States. Prior to his retirement, he was as a baker for Dunkin Donuts and also in the worked in the leather industry in Peabody. He was a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Church, a member of the Clube de Luis Camoes, the Portuguese American War Veterans Post 1, and the Azorean Brotherhood of the Divine Holy Ghost Society, all in Peabody. Manuel also enjoyed watching his favorite soccer team, Benfica, watching bullfights, playing the card game “Sueca”, making his infamous sweet bread, in which many people throughout the Portuguese community enjoyed, but most importantly spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his four daughters, Sandy Reis and her partner Antonio Carvalho of Peabody, Lisa Cunha & her husband Paul Santos of Hampton, NH, Debbie Cunha and her partner Scott Kline of Beverly, and Rosemary Cunha & her fiancée Kevin Silva of Peabody; his grandchildren, Selena and Kayla Reis, Julian Tavarez, Samantha Conley, and Kevin Silva, Jr.; a brother Joao Silva, nieces, Ivonia Espinola & her husband Marcelino, and Maria da Luz Silva & her husband Valter, a brother-in-law, Manuel Mendonca & his wife Francine; a sister-in-law Alzira Pereira & husband Antonio, sister in law Cecilia Leite and her late husband Helio.; a sister-in-law Lucia Silva,and also leaves behind other nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was predeceased by a two brother and a sister-in-law, the late Serfim Silva, the late Antonio Silva and his wife Idalina. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, February 13 from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St. Peabody. His Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday, February 14 at 9:00 AM at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 50 Walsh Ave., Peabody. AT THE REQUEST OF THE FAMILY, EVERYONE IS ASKED TO GO DIRECTLY TO CHURCH ON WEDNESDAY. He will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem.