Manuel Fernandes Ribeiro, 70 of Johnston, RI passed away Tuesday, April 25, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Debra (Wilson) Ribeiro for nearly 43 years. Born in Fall River, MA he was the son of the late Manuel and Rita (Langlois) Ribeiro. Along with his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Lindsey Ribeiro, of Tiverton, RI, Melanie Ribeiro, of Monson, MA and Jamie (Ribeiro) Derr, her spouse, James of Cranston, RI, his beautiful granddaughter Lianna Derr and his beloved dogs Ozzy and Rocky.
Manuel spent most of his early life working hard at Sunset Bakery at 499 Hope St, Bristol RI, which he owned and operated with his wife Debra from 1987 to 2002. Sunset was a staple in Bristol, RI since 1929, when it was founded by his grandfather Manuel and is missed by many. He worked very hard, 7 days a week to provide for his family. Besides baking, Manuel was also creative, winning a Scholastic Award for his artwork at Bristol High School as well as participating in championship wrestling. Gifted musically as well, he played the guitar and sang in numerous bands and taught himself to play the piano.
More importantly, besides his many talents, people were often more struck by his humble, considerate and gentle nature. The size of his heart matched his towering presence of 6’4.” He often put others first; thinking nothing of rescuing a woman from a fire in his apartment complex or picking up the newspaper and delivering it to a neighbor daily.
Above all else, Manuel was a loyal and dedicated husband and father who believed in his Catholic faith and following the 10 commandments from his early education at St Elizabeth’s in Bristol, RI. Providing a calm and reassuring presence to all who met him with a warm, friendly smile and some great one liners, he affected many, and will not be forgotten.
