Manuel Lopes, 81, of New Haven, passed away on May 26, 2014 after a long Illness. Born in Santa Catarina, Cape Verde Islands on May 2, 1933 to the late Arsenio and Heriqueta Borges Lopes. Manuel will be remembered by his loving wife, Iva Vaz Moriera Lopes; sister, Maria Luisa Lopes Borges of Hamden; his beloved children, Silvino and Justino both of Cabinda, Angola Africa, Maria R. Moreira Lopes, Silvio Lopes (Mariam), Luisa Moreira Lopes, Luis Moreira Lopes all of New Haven, Silvina Lopes Tavares of Charlotte, NC, Julio Moreira Lopes (Crystal) of Killingworth, Cristina Ayres (William) of Hamden, Antonia Lopes Toles (Jermaine) of Baltimore, MD, & Marcolino Moreira Lopes of Atlanta, GA; 27 grandchildren & 3 great grandchildren; nieces & nephews; sons-in-law & daughters-in-law, both in the US and overseas. Predeceased by his daughter Maria Varela and his brother Jose Lopes. Shortly after his sister, Maria, moved to the US she persuaded Manuel to also relocate. They both worked very hard to make a life in America so they could bring their families to be by their side. Even thought Manuel fell in love with America, he still had a great affection for his home country. He was a faithful employee at Lenders Bagel for over 30 years until his retirement. A faithful Catholic, he was a long time communicant of St. Mary's Church. Manuel was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather having great love for his family and community. Friends are invited to visit with Manuel's family on Friday, May 30th at St. Mary's Church, 5 Hillhouse Ave., New Haven from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. with his Mass of Christian Burial to be Celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, in care of arrangements.