Manuel Leal Coelho

Manuel Leal Coelho, age 94, of Powell, Ohio, passed away on May, 7, 2025, at home with family and under the care of hospice. Manuel was born on February 23, 1931, in Loule, Portugal, to Maria da Gráca and António Coelho. The oldest of 3 children, his rural childhood home was surrounded by almond and olive trees, donkeys, chickens, and other livestock. At the time of his childhood, Portugal was under a dictatorship and the opportunity for education was limited. Manuel left school after the second grade and contributed to his family's agricultural efforts.

What he lacked in education, he made up for in courage and a young man's drive for opportunity and adventure. In his twenties, he left Portugal and made his way to New York City, with stints in Brazil and Canada along the way, where he met and married Francisca Romero Pelaez; Who herself had recently arrived in NYC from her native Ecuador.

Always a hard worker, he was a member of Laborers International Union of North America, Local 1010, Pavers & Roadbuilders for more than 50 years working on road construction projects throughout NYC. More than once, he was offered extra hours on special projects because he was a good worker and it was known that he wanted to support his son's education.

After retirement, he enjoyed some well-deserved time back in southern Portugal tending his fruit trees and rose bushes and making the best grilled sardines on the planet. He will be remembered for his hard work, generosity, and constancy. While he worked diligently for many years, there was at times an unmistakable twinkle in his eye which surely meant that his younger days included some fun and perhaps more than a little mischief.

Manuel is preceded in passing by his wife Francisca. He is survived by his dedicated son Helder Coelho (Kristin); Beloved granddaughters, Suzannah Grace and Vivian June; Sisters Odete Rodrigues and Vitalina Pereira; Nephew Osvaldo Rodrigues (Monika); Nieces Idalia Pereira and Celia Pereira (Tiago).

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