Manuel “Manny” Amaral Canastra, 83, of Haines City, Florida, passed away on April 1, 2025, at his home with his loving family.

He was the husband of Nancy (Townley) Canastra. They were married for 61 years. He was born in New Bedford, MA the son of the late Manuel and Maria (Amaral) Canastra, grandson of the late Rosa (Dias) Canastra & Francisco & Deolinda (Rehelo) Amaral. He resided in New Bedford until December 1996 and then moved to Florida. He attended NBHS, Bristol Community College and Fisher Jr. College. He was employed by Fiber Leather, a custodian at SMU, driving instructor for Al Torman Driving School and in his retirement years in Florida for 10 years he worked for the Cleveland Indians Spring training and at several golf courses.

Manuel served 36 years in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, serving two tours on active duty; the Berlin Crisis and the Vietnam War, Battery A 1 st Battalion 211th field artillery. During his service he received various awards. He was devoted and proud of his service to his country. He was a member of Post 1 American Legion, VFW Post 3260 (Porier Post), DAV Chapter 7 (Dr. C. E. Burt), American Portuguese War Veterans, Cape Verdan Veterans Association, National Guard Enlisted Association, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 0499, Howland Chapter, National Guard Association, Order of Saint Barbara (Patron Saint of Field Artillery) and National Museum of the United States Army.

He was proud to march in the New Bedford parades with the different organizations he belonged to. He was an avid sports fan who loved the New York Giants, Patriots and the Buccaneers, Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. Manuel also enjoyed playing golf in his retirement years in several leagues with many friends. He loved watching his children and grandchildren playing sports. He spent many years coaching youth sports and also Fall River and Taunton semi pro football.

One of his greatest accomplishments, besides his family, was coaching the Verdan Vets Youth Football team and he was proud of how they developed into the men they are today. He was proud of his Portegese heritage. Being brought up in the North end of New Bedford, he was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception, and his family was involved with the St. Michael Club, the Senhor da Pedra Club the Our Lady of Angels of Fairhaven. He attended many feasts and processions with his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife Nancy and his children, Tammy Canastra Callahan and her husband Danny of Florida, Kyle T. Canastra and his girlfriend Jeanni Butler of Rochester, MA, Tracey M. Canastra and her husband Mike of Florida, Kelly A. Kane and her husband Peter of New Bedford and his grandchildren Taylor M. Canastra, Siera R. Canastra and Maxwell Kane. He is also survived by a niece and nephew, two God children and several cousins. He was predeceased by his son Matthew Emanuel Canastra, daughter-in-law, Karen M. Canastra; and his granddaughter Abbigayle E. Callahan.

A funeral mass will be held in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Interment will be at Rural Cemetery in New Bedford.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are welcome and if you desire, may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at National Processing Center, PO Box 758541 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8541.

Memorial Keepers (1)

Manuel "Manny" Amaral Canastra