Manuel De Sousa Barbara

Manuel De Sousa Barbara, 91, of Methuen, MA, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2024, at High Pointe Hospice in Haverhill, MA after courageously battling cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

Born in Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, Azores, Portugal, Manuel was dedicated to his Lord Jesus and to serving those who needed him most.  Manuel was peaceful and kind and those who knew him felt his love.

Manuel was the son of a peaceful woman who, as a housewife, sold her homemade bread to make an income and the son of a policeman.  They loved him and at an early age, instilled a positive work ethic filled with honor and respect.  He started working in a print shop in Angra Do Heroismo, Portugal, at the age of 12.  By the age of 21, he opened his own print shop.  The same day he made that purchase while playing the clarinet in a band, he met Maria Leonor.  He told his children years later that he fell in love with that wonderful girl who had beautiful green eyes.     

After a 5-year courtship, Manuel married Maria Leonor on April 20, 1958 and together they went on to have their three children.

In Portugal, Manuel belonged to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul which focused on the personal service of the poor.  He helped many people but most never knew about It because he didn’t look for recognition.

On August 20, 1971, Manuel took a leap of faith and brought his family to the United States.  He sold his home and print shop in Portugal and moved to allow his children to have the opportunities that America could offer.  He always put his family first.

Manuel and family lived in Cambridge, MA until he purchased his home in Methuen, MA. In 1972.  He worked as a Floor Manager at New England Confectionery Company (NECCO) until he retired in 2000. 

He sang in the church choir for many years at St Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Lawrence Ma.  He even had a part in a play put out by that church called “The Nazarene” where he played the part of one of the apostles.   He was also a member of the finance committee that helped to support that church.  In recent years, he attended Corpus Christi Parish which became Holy Rosary Shrine in Lawrence MA.  He really enjoyed the spirit of community that he felt at both locations and would speak about it often.    

His love of music, especially big band genre, was evident.  He was often seen watching soccer games especially when the Portuguese National Team was playing.  He was also an avid New England sports fan and often watched games with his son.  He loved to travel, and many times took his family on road trips to Canada to visit his mom, siblings, and family.  He treasured those long trips and made great memories.  Family gatherings was his favorite thing to do, and you could always catch him right in the middle of those group pictures smiling.  He loved being a husband, a father, and a grandfather.   

Manuel was predeceased by his brother, Jose, sister, Ercilia, mother, Adelaide, and his father, Jose Barbara who was originally from Algarve, Portugal.  He leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Maria Leonor, his son Joseph Barbara and his wife Rita Barbara, daughter, Gracinda Bibbo and her husband William Bibbo, and son Gilbert Barbara.  He leaves behind his 6 grandchildren, of which he was very proud:  Derek, Tessa, Melissa, Katelin, Joseph, and Alessia.  He also leaves behind his sisters Gloria Sousa and Adelaide Fernandes, brother Luis Barbara and his wife Osvalda Barbara who live in Canada, and many wonderful nieces and nephews who live in the United States and in Canada.

Family and friends may call at the Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen, MA on Sunday April 28th from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Funeral Mass will be on Monday, April 29th at 10 AM at Holy Rosary Shrine, Lawrence MA.  Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Manuel with a donation to High Point Hospice House in Haverhill MA by calling 978-377-9100 or a donation to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Manuel Barbara to support cancer research and patient care at:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
P.O. Box 849168
Boston, MA 02284
or via dana-farber.org/gift.

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