Manuel E. Fontes (66), of Norton, MA passed away on November 2, 2023 surrounded by his children and family, who he adored more than anything in the world.

Manuel, fondly known as Nene or Manny, was born to Maria "Panaxinha" Fontes and Moises Goncalves in the village of Cova Figueira, on the island of Fogo, Cabo Verde. As the first son of his mother, Nene began working for his family at the ripe age of 12 years old which ultimately culminated in his relocation to Portugal at the age of 16 to continue to provide for his beloved mother and sister still residing in the motherland.

Following his marriage in 1980, Nene immigrated to the United States in search of better opportunities. His tireless work ethic is reflected in his reluctance to remain complacent; as such he challenged himself to progress in his career in transportation as well as his family life. He mastered the art of navigating a 18-wheeler through bustling city streets and across the open roads of America. Moreover, a lover of carpentry, he built his dream home for his family in the City of Champions - Brockton, MA.

Life was not always too kind to Manuel as he battled lymphoma since 2014 and beat it three times prior. Despite the diagnosis, he continued to have a passion for life and exuded positivity through specialized courses of treatments and years of remission. Guided by his faith, he exhibited heart and fight and never allowed his circumstances to diminish his radiant light. Having a new lease on life, he immersed himself into many passions such as lead singer of a band, motorcycle cruising, political aficionado, cooking, and fatherhood.

Nene held many titles and among them believer, singer, songwriter, life-of-the-party, jokester – who never seemed to get to the punch line before bursting into laughter, three-time cancer survivor, friend and confidant. Many describe him as wise, compassionate and an attentive listener. But to him, he was just a mortal man and would often say "I'm not the best, but I do my best".

Nene is survived by his five children – Claudia, Diane, Andrew, Tracy and Manny Fontes. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Nalayah Donis and sister, Maria Fontes, among many other siblings. He is preceded in passing by his mother, Maria "Panaxinha" Fontes; aunt, Maria "Nhabera" Fontes and father, Moises Goncalves.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 8th at 10:00AM in the Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 165 Belmont St.(Rt.123) Brockton. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Brockton. Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 4:00PM to 8:00PM.