A Century and a Dance: Celebrating Cabo Verdean WWII Veteran Manuel Antonio Figueiredo at 105

Manuel Antonio Figueiredo at age 105. Photo courtesy of his nephew Eddie Esteves

This Veteran’s Day, Kriolish honors a true patriarch and hero, Corporal Manuel Antonio Figueiredo, who celebrated his remarkable 105th birthday this past September. Mr. Figueiredo’s life is a testament to the resilience of the New Bedford Cabo Verdean community and a powerful chronicle of his service to the United States.

Born on September 18, 1920, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States. Mr. Figueiredo is the son of Antonio Manoel Figueiredo and Anna Maria Lopes, both who were born on the island of São Nicolau, Cabo Verde. Antonio departed Fogo island in 1911, and Anna followed from São Nicolau in 1914. Their New Bedford marriage in 1917 rooted a new generation in the city.

At only age three, Mr. Figueiredo lost his mother on July 9, 1924. He spent some time with his Aunt Amelia Santos (“Ti Malia”) in Providence, RI, before returning to New Bedford, where he attended elementary school at Acushnet Avenue School and the Donaghy School (now Verdean Gardens).

Manuel A. Fegueiredo with his sister Maria Anna Figueiredo. Photo courtesy of his son Carl Figueiredo

Service to Nation

Mr. Figueiredo began his path of service early, attending the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in Greenfield, MA, in 1937, a program that offered work and training to many of his Cabo Verdean childhood friends.

On October 24, 1942, at the height of World War II, Mr. Figueiredo enlisted in the U.S. Army. After completing his basic training, he was deployed to the European Theater, serving in both England and Belgium. For his dedication and courage, he was awarded three Battle Stars and earned the rank of Corporal.

Mr. Figueiredo in his U.S. Army uniform. Photo courtesy of his son Carl Figueiredo

Life After Service and Enduring Heritage

Following the war, Manuel married Charlotte A. Ramos Leon in 1954, and together they raised two sons, Barry and Carl. Mr. Figueiredo worked for the City of New Bedford for 38 years, retiring in 1985. He also held a second job at Cornell Dublier, and many of his friends knew him affectionately as “Figgy.”

Mr. Figueiredo and his wife Charlotte A. Ramos (1954). Photo courtesy of his son Carl Figueiredo

At 105, Mr. Figueiredo remains an active member of the community, including the Cape Verdean Veterans Association. He remains deeply proud of his heritage and looks forward to the annual New Bedford Cape Verdean Parade and Independence Day celebrations. Fittingly, his favorite foods are the classic Cabo Verdean dishes, Katxupa and Jag.

He credits his extraordinary longevity to his commitment to daily exercise. In his younger days, he was known to walk to Marion and back, and today, he still walks regularly to the grocery store, to his barber, and around town. His vibrancy is infectious: he is known to still dance when he attends community events!

His favorite saying is: “I gotta keep these puppies moving.”

[embed]Mr. Figueiredo dancing at the Cape Verdean Gala — November 2024. Video courtesy of his son Carl Figueiredo

As we honor Corporal Figueiredo’s service and incredible life this Veteran’s Day, we thank him for his dedication and celebrate his enduring spirit.

Team Kriolish 💙

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