Manuel Bento Sr.

Portland, ME

Manuel "Chico" Bento Sr., 84 years old, of Portland, ME died Friday, October 5, 2012 surrounded by his loving family.

Manuel was born in New Rochelle, NY on May 30, 1928; the son of Antonio and Barbara (Duarte) Bento; who were both originally from the Cape Verde Islands.

Chico grew up as a child in the Bronx, NY and at the age of 17 he fulfilled his lifelong dream by enlisting in the United States Coast Guard on February 25, 1946. After enlisting in the U.S.C.G. his first duty call was the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. He trained aboard the U.S.S. Barque Eagle in 1947. He also served aboard weather ships, and Coast Guard Cutters. He proudly served his country until being honorably discharged on October 1, 1966. Following his service with the U.S.C.G he worked at the Coast Guard Exchange for 15 years. He then worked at Maine Medical Center in the Environmental Services Department for another ten years until he officially retired at the age of 75.

Manuel loved to travel, watch the History Channel, the news, and baseball games with his grandson John Michael. However, his greatest joy was the gathering of his family and friends.

Predeceasing Manuel are ten of his siblings.

Surviving is his loving wife of 46 years Janice (Dick) Bento of Portland, ME; three daughters, Michelle Bento of Portland, Barbara Bento Goodwin and her husband Philip of Cape Elizabeth, Vickie Hamilton Bento of Portland, a son Manuel Bento Jr. of Portland, a sister Elizabeth "Betty" Allen of El Paso, TX, 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and extended family members and his four legged friend and companion dog namesake "Chico".

Friends and Family are invited to attend a period of visitation on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 from 4 to 7 pm at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. A 10:00 am Mass of Christian Burial for Manuel will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 10 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St. Portland. Committal prayers will follow at Calvary Cemetery in So. Portland.

In lieu of flowers the Bento family suggests memorials be made to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101.