Manny was born on November 20, 1954 in Venda Nova, Portugal. He was the son of Manuel Ventura and Filomena De Jesus Gante. He immigrated to the United States in 1981 after marrying the love of his life, Aurora Cardoso.
Manny was known for his sense of humor, quick wit, kindness, generosity, story telling, dedication to his family and friends. Early in his life Manny was an entrepreneur working at his family business in Portugal. In 1995 he became an owner and driving instructor at Lund’s Corner Driving School in New Bedford, MA. Manny enjoyed teaching thousands of students how to drive safely.
Outside of work, Manny enjoyed traveling to Florida, Portugal, Europe, and the Caribbean. At home he enjoyed gardening, working on his cars, spending time with his cats all named Bicho, bird watching, people watching, entertaining family and friends. Each morning Manny enjoyed reading newspapers from around the world. Through his travels and businesses he could speak 5 languages.
Manny was a passionate fan of soccer, watching games from leagues and players around the world. He was a fan of Sporting CP, and the Portuguese national team. He enjoyed watching his sons and grandchildren play soccer throughout his life.
Manny is survived by his wife, Aurora Ventura, sons Kenneth Ventura (Kathryne Medeiros) of Belchertown, MA, and Andrew Ventura (Sara Ventura) of Dartmouth, MA, sisters Isabel Ventura (Manuel Barros) of Portugal, Ceu Ventura of Portugal, Maria de Lourdes Duarte of New Bedford, MA, seven grandchildren, Ariana, Sienna, Ella, Grayson, Bexley, Jolie, and Bowen, nieces and nephews João, Carla, Paulo, Tanía, Carlos, Maria de Lourdes, Ruí, José, Jorge, and their families, many cousins, and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Filomena.
Family and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Wednesday ,August 5, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:30PM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Road, Dartmouth, MA 02748. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 10:00AM at St. Anthony’s of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford, MA. Burial to follow at South Dartmouth Cemetery.
