Manuel Pestana, 94, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025, in Hope Health Hospice, Providence, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Maria "Alice" Pestana to whom he had been married to for the past 68 years.

Born in Madeira, Portugal, he was the son of the late Manuel and Alice Pestana. He immigrated to the United States from Madeira Portugal and married Maria Alice Mendes in 1957.

In that same year, he started a 35-year career with Hasbro Industries. To advance his career, he attended and received certification from Rhode Island School of Design. He traveled the globe to engineer and procure molds for Hasbro and retired as the VP of Mold Engineering in 1992.

Manny was a huge football and baseball sports fan. While he loved the Patriots and Red Sox, soccer was ultimately his favorite sport. He was a devoted Benfica soccer fan.

Beyond family, career and sports, Manny was significantly involved and served in various leadership capacities in Portuguese and other community organizations that included Clube Juventude Lusitana, the Club Madeirense and The Cumberland Lions Club.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Marilyn Pestana Leary of Cumberland, Michael Manuel Pestana and his wife Lisa of North Smithfield, and Mark Joseph Pestana and his wife Suzie of Franklin, MA. His grandchildren: Michaela Leary Vacca, James Leary, Sarah Isabel Pestana, and Matthew Joseph Pestana. His two great-grandchildren: Cameron Vacca and Nolan Vacca, along with several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Elizabeth Rodrigues.

Manny taught us about caring for family, saving for a rainy day, a solid work ethic, leadership, strength and tenacity that he shared with his entire family.

Manuel's Life Celebration will be held privately and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105.

Online memorial: jjduffyfuneralhome.com