Manuel Pedroso

It is with profound love and deep gratitude for a life that spanned more than a century, we announce the peaceful passing of Manuel Pedroso at the age of 106.

Born on November 18, 1919, in New Bedford, Manuel was just three years old when he returned to Portugal with his parents and brother. He was raised in Alvados, Porto de Mós, where he grew up rooted in faith, discipline, and the enduring values of his homeland. He later graduated from the Escola Comercial e Industrial de Domingos Sequeira in Leiria. Inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the promise of opportunity in America, Manuel returned to his birth country, the United States in 1942. He settled in Providence during wartime and became a skilled welder at the Walsh-Kaiser shipyard, helping to build Liberty ships in support of the war effort. After World War II, he served for two years as a U.S. Merchant Marine, traveling the world before returning to Providence to build his life and legacy. In 1949, Manuel married the love of his life, Maria Pedroso of Alcaria, Portugal. Together they built a marriage rooted in devotion, partnership, and unwavering love, celebrating 77 beautiful years together. Their union became the heart of a family that would flourish across generations. 

Upon returning to Providence, Manuel purchased Friends Market in the Fox Point neighborhood, now recognized as the oldest Portuguese-American market still in operation. For more than six decades, Friends Market became far more than a business. It was the heart of a community, and a gathering place where Portuguese immigrants reunited with memories of the “old country,” exchanged stories, found opportunity, and built new lives and friendships. Affectionately known as the “Father of the Portuguese-American community,” Manuel devoted his life to helping others succeed. He mentored immigrants, secured employment opportunities, assisted with applications, tutored many preparing for their naturalization exams, and personally sponsored families so they could reunite in America. His advice was steadfast and simple: work honestly, save wisely, finish school and act morally. He encouraged all to embrace American citizenship, to vote, participate and be heard, while proudly maintaining their cultural roots.

His extraordinary contributions were widely recognized. Manuel was featured in numerous newspapers, television interviews, and in the series of memoirs, Cadernos de Lanzarote written by Nobel Laureate, José Saramago. In 2019, he was honored as “Man of the Century” by the Rhode Island Day of Portugal committee, a distinction befitting a life of generational impact. In 2022, the City of Providence gave a portion of Sheldon Street the honorary name “Pedroso Way,” ensuring his name is forever woven into the neighborhood he cherished. He also received the prestigious 'Order of Merit' from the President of the Portuguese Republic, a profound acknowledgment from his ancestral homeland recognizing his lifelong service to the Portuguese people abroad in 2024. He was a devoted member of numerous organizations, including Pawtucket Social Club, Cranston Portuguese Club, Cranston Portuguese Rod and Gun Club, Cavaqueiros and the Club Juventude Lusitania Cumberland. He was an honorary member of the Portuguese Heritage Choir of Rhode Island and Our Lady of the Rosary Band, as well as a parishioner of Our Lady of the Rosary Church for 84 years.

Above all, Manuel was the patriarch of his family who adored him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 77 years Maria Pedroso, his son Manuel A. Pedroso and wife Jane Pedroso, and his daughter Eileen Maria Pedroso Afonso and husband José Manuel Afonso. Manuel was the cherished brother to Olivia Calado, who survives him, and the late Antonio Pedroso and Elias Pedroso. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Dorrie Eaton and spouse Mark Eaton, Kristen Pedroso and spouse Shaun Jones, Phillip Afonso, Diana Marie Afonso, and Andrew Afonso. He was also blessed with five cherished great-grandchildren Kylie Eaton, Adriana Eaton, Noah Pedroso Jones, Lucia Pedroso Jones, and Arabella Afonso Allen. His greatest joy was seeing the success and happiness of his family and the generations that followed. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, as well as a wide circle of amazing friends whose lives were enriched by his wisdom, generosity and enduring kindness. 

Manuel had a deep and abiding love for the Fox Point neighborhood of Providence and for the State of Rhode Island. He often said Fox Point was the finest place on earth to live, work, and raise a family. Even in his later years, he remained socially active, never missing an event and always ready to share a story, a lesson, or a laugh from behind the store counter. What drove Manuel Pedroso was one word: Love. He was driven by love for his family, love for his heritage, love for his community, and love for America and the opportunity it provided. He reminded all who met him that anything is possible with faith, hard work, and perseverance.

His legacy was woven into the very fabric of Friends Market, on the corner of Brook Street and Pedroso Way, and it will echo on in the voices he guided, in the lessons he shared and in the grateful hearts forever blessed to have known him.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday ,February 28,2026 at 9:00am in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 21 Traverse Street, Providence.  Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery,550 Wampanoag Trail, East Providence.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend.  Calling hours are on Friday, from 4;00pm – 7:00pm in the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME,901 Broadway, East Providence.

Donations in his memory may be made to Our Lady of the Rosary Church, or to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN, 38105.

www.rebellofuneralhomes.com.

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