Manuel A. "Lele" Mendes, 52, of New Bedford died Saturday October 1, 2016 at home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Ana Bela (Goncalves) Mendes.
Born in Nova Lisboa, Angola, the son of the late Domingos and Maria A. (Andrade) Mendes, he lived in Brava, Cape Verde for most of his life before moving to New Bedford in 2011.
Mr. Mendes was formerly employed by Fuccillo Concrete and Cape Concrete in East Falmouth.
He was a self-taught musician, who played the guitar, piano, and violin. Music was his passion in life.
He was a member of Grupo Sen Vaidade.
Survivors include his wife; six children, Joao Mendes, Maria Angelina Mendes, Leila Mendes, Junior Mendes, Kevenn Mendes, and Maria Mendes; his siblings, Jose Andrade, Agnes Mendes, Clara Mendes, Daniel Mendes, Joaquina Silva, Fresina Mendes, Julia Mendes, and Ana Mendes; four grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother, Joao Mendes.
His Funeral will be held on Friday October 7, 2016 at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 10 AM. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday October 6, 2016 from 4-8 PM.