Manuel Da Encarnação Catarino, 80, of Warren, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024, at the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center surrounded by his loving family. He was the faithful husband of the late Maria Celeste (Gomes) Catarino. Married for over 51 years, theirs was a true example of love and commitment.

Manuel was born in Fontinha, Febres, Portugal, the son of the late José Maria Francisco and Maria de Lourdes (Da Encarnação) Catarino. He became a Watchmaker by trade, and came to America with his wife, Maria, to build a family and live the American Dream. He loved working on watches and clocks, and even spent some time at the Firestone Mansion in Newport winding the clocks and making sure they ran on precision time. Over the years, he became a Rolex Certified Watchmaker and enjoyed working with his friends and coworkers at many prestigious jewelers including Plante Jewelers, Blondal Jewelers, and Grey Jewelers in Barrington, where he worked right up until the day before he was hospitalized.

Manuel was a born-again Christian, and shared his faith with many, leading many people to Christ. Even in his last moments, he shared the love of Christ with family and friends, encouraging them to put their faith in Jesus as their Savior, so they can be reunited one day. He was an avid sponsor of Son Life Ministries and supported many other faith-based organizations who work to share the Gospel and meet the needs of the broken and hurting.

Manuel loved his wife, children, and family, as well as good food, gardening, nature, and music. He would often sing Portuguese hymns and whistle beautifully, praising God. He provided for his family and often met the needs of others. One way he showed his devotion to his wife, Maria, was to build her a walkway around the backyard, as she had trouble with her knees, and it made it easier for them to enjoy the outdoors together. Another way he showed his care for his family, after Maria had passed, was to take them on a trip to Portugal to show them all the different places that held special memories shared by Manuel and Maria. It was a beautiful time of reminiscing and enjoying time together.

Manuel is survived by his children, Paula Davis, Michelle De Jesus, Wendy Muenchow, and Christopher Catarino. He was the brother of Carlos Catarino, Dulce Catarino, & the late Cesar Catarino. Manuel was the grandfather of Ashley Vanoni & Daniel Davis, Hannah & Gabriel de Jesus, Cheyenne, Kassie, & Ethan Muenchow. He was the father-in-law of Chad Davis, Eliezer De Jesus, and Kent Muenchow; he loved his sons-in-law as if they were his own children and was a cornerstone of the family and will be greatly missed. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whom he loved and cared for very much.

Private services are with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Rd. Warren, RI.

For tributes, please visit: www.wjsmithfh.com.