New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
On Thursday, October 22, 2020, New Bedford resident, Manuel Antonio Figueiredo celebrated his 100th birthday with a small group of socially distanced relatives and Verdean Gardens neighbors. He has called Cruz Companies’ Verdean Gardens home for the last decade.
Cruz Companies hosted the socially distanced celebration in honor of Mr. Figueiredo at the Verdean Gardens lot on October 22, 2020. Citations were presented to the centenarian on behalf of Mayor Mitchell and the City of New Bedford. Councilmembers, Joseph Lopes and Derek Baptiste, presented a citation as well on behalf of the New Bedford City Council.
Manuel “Figgy” Figueiredo (center) with Cruz Companies President and CEO John B. Cruz III, New Bedford Ward 4 Councilor Derek Baptiste, son Carl Figueiredo, and Cruz Management Director, Justin Cruz. Cruz Companies photo.
John B. Cruz III, President and CEO of Cruz Companies was honored to celebrate such a special resident. Not only for his kind spirit and longevity, but for his service and history. “Our families came from Cape Verde to work and build a better life. And Figgy is living a life he loves! We are grateful to pause, in his honor, and appreciate the celebration of life. Especially for those of us in our communities who work so hard and overcome barriers every day.”
Mr. Figueiredo attributes his longevity to his daily walks. In his younger days, he would walk to Marion and back. He still walks to the grocery store, to his barber, and around town. His favorite saying is; “I gotta keep these puppies moving.”
Local centenarian, Manuel Antonio Figueiredo and his son Carl. Cruz Companies photo.
Mr. Figueiredo attended elementary school at Acushnet Avenue School and Donaghy School which is now Verdean Gardens. He later attended Roosevelt Jr. High School and New Bedford High School. He started his military career in 1937 by attending the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in Greenfield, MA. The program lasted eighteen months. Several Cape Verdean childhood friends also participated in the program.
On October 24, 1942, Manuel enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was five feet four inches tall and weighed 123 pounds. After he completed his basic training, he was was deployed to England and Belgium. Mr. Figueiredo received three Battle Stars for his tour of duty in the European Theatre. In fact, he is the oldest living Veteran of WWII.
A birthday for the books! Mr. Figueiredo sits at the far end of the tent for a socially distanced 100th birthday celebration. Cruz Companies photo.
In 1954, he married Charlotte A Ramos Leon. She passed away earlier this year at the age of 95. Together, they enjoyed life in New Bedford with their two sons, Barry and Carl.
Manuel worked for the City of New Bedford for 38 years. He retired in 1985. He also worked a second job at Cornell Dublier. Many of his friends knew him as “Figgy”. He is proud of his Cape Verdean heritage and looks forward to the annual Cape Verdean Parade and Cape Verdean Independence Day Celebration.
About Cruz Companies:
Cruz Companies is the oldest and largest minority-owned construction, real estate development and property management firm in the region, responsible for landmark projects and developments for over 70 years. Cruz Companies’ mission is giving back to the community through providing employment and career opportunities to area residents, hiring local minority contractors and businesses, and increasing affordable and market rate housing. For more information, please go to our website www.cruzcompanies.com.
