Manuel Barreiro was born in Covoes parish in the municipality of Cantanhede, in northern Portugal. He grew up on his grandparents’ farm and became an apprentice tailor at 12 years old. He worked as a tailor for the next 50 years, on three continents. As a young man Manuel lived in Angola for two years before emigrating to the United States and settling in Hayward. Manuel worked at Bond’s in Hayward, Smith’s in Oakland, and other men’s clothing stores.
In 1957 Manuel married Marian Soares. Manuel and Marian had three children. They were members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where the children went to school. They also belonged to several civic and Portuguese community organizations; Manuel served for many years as Secretary of Council 2B-4C of the Luso-American Fraternal Federation. Sadly, Marian died in 1968. Manuel raised the children as a single father, with help from neighbors and friends, the church, and Marian’s family.
Manuel enjoyed spending time with family and friends, gardening, raising doves and parakeets, and traveling. He loved building and fixing things, even when they were beyond fixing. He was very frugal, never wanting to throw anything away if “it might come in handy someday.”
Nine years ago Manuel had a severe stroke and was in poor health for the rest of his life. Manuel’s family are very grateful to everyone at Casa Sandoval assisted living and Kyros home health care for their kindness. Despite his challenges, Manuel always had a smile and a kind word for his caregivers and neighbors.
Manuel is survived by his daughters Lucia Soares (Manuel) and Isabel Souto (Aires), his son Anthony Barreiro, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Private services were held for family. Donations to Catholic Charities of the East Bay or a charity of your choice would be a great way to honor Manuel’s memory.
