New Bedford – Manuel C. Martin III, age 80, of New Bedford, passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at Hathaway Manor. Born in New Bedford, MA he was the beloved son of the late Manuel Martin, Jr. and Mary (Souza) Martin.
To say that Manny was an entrepreneur and business innovator would be an understatement. Throughout the course of his adult life and career, he was the proud owner and operator of several small businesses here in the City of New Bedford, which included: Silmo Packaging Company (Silmo Syrup), Marco’s Pub, JB Lumber, and Kel Kor Construction.
As the owner of Silmo Packaging Company, he re-branded what was once a small, local, mom-and-pop operation to become the New England leader in coffee syrup production and sales. A product which is still revered till this very day. As the owner of JB Lumber, he and his partner, Manny Correia, supplied first class lumber and lumber-related products to contractors and homeowners all throughout the region. During his stint as the owner of Marco’s Pub, Manny created New Bedford’s very own version of “Cheer’s,” where everyone knew your name, and was known as the place to gather with your family and friends after a long day at work.
As the owner of Kel Kor Construction, he oversaw everything from small home renovation projects to major commercial and federal contracts, especially working on substantial building rehab projects with the United States Postal Service for well over a decade. Kel Kor Construction was also responsible for overseeing many construction contracts at both UMass Dartmouth and the North Dartmouth Mall over the years. He had also been a long-time member of the Elks Club.
He is survived by his daughter, Kellie Ann Martin and her husband Patrick Hunt and his son, Korry Allen Martin; 3 grandchildren, Lynne Martin of Florida, Ian Abreu and Ryan Martin; several great-grandchildren and 2 cousins, Kathleen Goncalves Amaral and Antonio Pereira.
Manuel’s visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 from 5:00 P.M – 8:00 P.M. at Perry Funeral Home with a service to take place during this time. Cremation will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can kindly be made to Mercy Meals and More, P.O. Box 40515, New Bedford, MA 02744.
Arrangements are placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740. Please see our website: www.perryfuneral.com for condolences.