Manuel J. Freitas

After fighting a long and hard battle with cancer, Manuel “Manny” passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his home in McKinleyville, California on March 07, 2012. Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather Manuel J. Freitas was born on December 03, 1946 in freguesia de Almagreira, Santa Maria, Acores. Manuel immigrated to Boston, Massachusetts with his wife in 1970. In 1979 he moved to California to be closer to his parents and siblings. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jaoquim Soares de Freitas and Virginia de Andrade Cabral, and five of his (infant) siblings.

Manuel is survived by his wife, Maria Celina Freitas of 42 years; daughters Virginia (& Kenneth) Murrell, and Celina (& Brian) Ferreira, son Alex Freitas all of Mckinleyville, CA; daughter Natalia (& Mark) Sobota of Bayside, CA; grandchildren Alex R. Freitas, Cecelia and Bria Ferreira, Merritt and Kendra Murrell of Mckinleyville, CA; and Sydni and Sierra Sobota of Bayside, CA. He is also survived by his sisters; Maria Rodrigues of McKinleyville, CA, Olimpia (& Fred) Avelar of Arcata, CA, Ines (& Jose) Silveira of Easton, MA; and his brothers Jose (& Regina) Freitas of Arcata, CA, Antonio Freitas of Easton, MA; and many godchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Manuel started his career in Massachusetts working in warehouse and then moved to California and worked at Simpson, Korbel. He started his own business in 1985 as a dairyman (Freitas Dairy in Bayside); he loved the farm and his animals. Manny later “retired” and joined JLF Construction in McKinleyville. He was proud when he became an American citizen in 1999. He enjoyed being around his family and friends. He loved watching his grandchildren play and even joined a bowling league to spend time with his son and son-in-law. Manny loved to gamble, and he loved playing the slots and blackjack at the local casinos. He also played poker at home with his family every Sunday for many years. He enjoyed fishing and being outdoors. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A rosary will be held in his memory on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Paul’s Chapel in Arcata. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Arcata. The family wishes to thank Jim Furtado for all his support and generosity, Father Michael W. Cloney and Molly Vanzeumeren for their visits to the home and spiritual support, Father Gerard Gormley for his warm welcome to his church and for his services. We also wish to thank Dr. Christopher Lee and staff, Dr. Uma Suryadevara and staff, Dr. John Nelson from Hospice and the entire Hospice team who provided care and support, and to all our family and friends for all their support and kindness. Casket bearers are Mario Avelar, Victor Avelar, Charles Boswell, Carlos Freitas, Marco Freitas, and Mario Pimentel. Honorary casket bearers are Jim Furtado, Jose Pedro Mendonca, and Mark Santos. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Paul’s Chapel, 1070 H Street in Arcata, CA (707) 822-2445.

To leave condolences for the family please visit www.paulschapel.com