Manuel F. Matos, age 65, of New Bedford, passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2017, surrounded in the highest light and love by his adoring family and life-long best friend, Louie. He fought hard to the very end, in true Manny fashion, and will be missed until infinity. For 42 years, he was a devoted husband to the absolute love of his life, Melinda Matos. He was a doting father to his only child, Bethany Austin, and her husband, Robert, who he loved as a son. He was an amazing grandfather and took great pride in his granddaughters, Ava and Piper Austin.
Manuel, the son of the late Joao and Diamantina Matos, was born in Ribeira Quente, Azores; rumor has it that his entrance to this world was under a bridge in a campsite during a hurricane . . . maybe even an earthquake! He most certainly was born with a tiny soccer ball in tow, because to know him was to know that a passion burned deep in his soul for the game of soccer. At age eight, he came to the States with his family to live the American dream. With much hard work and perseverance, he achieved that dream. He attended West Virginia University where he was a 1973 and 1974 Honorable Mention
All American soccer player, then went on to play professional soccer with the Philadelphia Atoms, the New England Tea Men, and then the Rhode Island Oceaneers. Yes, folks, he even played against Pele!
In 1977, Manny returned to New Bedford where he worked as a teacher and as the New Bedford High School boys’ varsity soccer coach for 24 years, eventually being inducted into the Massachusetts High School Soccer Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame in 2001. He lived and breathed soccer; he took delight in watching every single one of his players, and loved them as family. Throughout his distinguished career, he helped shape the characters of many of the city’s youth; ask any of Manny’s former students or players and they will tell you that the lessons he shared, both on and off the field, will remain with them forever. His legacy, through them, is truly eternal.
Manny never spoke ill of anyone, and was first in line to help when help was needed. Everyone he met was a friend, and he considered his friends, family. He was a quiet hero to those who knew him, and will be missed by all.
In addition to his beloved wife, daughter, son-in-law, and grand babies, he is survived by his siblings: Joao Matos, Maria daGraca Rosonina, Virginia Vicente and her husband, Edgardo, Denis Matos and his wife Maria, and an amazing bunch of nieces ,nephews and cousins whom he always loved deeply.
Manny’s funeral will be Tuesday, Dec 5, 2017, at 9:30AM from the PERRY FUNERAL HOME at 111 Dartmouth St. in New Bedford, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish. Burial will immediately follow at Rural Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday; 4-8PM. Arrangements are placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740