The Rhode Island House of Representatives has expressed its deepest condolences on the passing of Manuel Pedroso, who lived to the age of 106. Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1919, Mr. Pedroso moved to Portugal at a young age before returning to the U.S. in 1942, where he settled in Providence. He contributed significantly to the war effort as a skilled welder at the Walsh-Kaiser shipyard and later served in the United States Merchant Marine. Mr. Pedroso was known for his long and loving marriage to Marie Pedroso, with whom he celebrated 77 years, and for his role as a community leader and mentor to many Portuguese immigrants through his ownership of Friends Market, the oldest Portuguese-American market in operation.

Throughout his life, Mr. Pedroso was recognized for his immense contributions to the Portuguese-American community in Rhode Island, earning accolades such as being named the Man of the Century by the Rhode Island Day of Portugal Committee and receiving the Order of Merit from the President of the Portuguese Republic. He was actively involved in various organizations and was a dedicated parishioner at Our Lady of the Rosary Church. Mr. Pedroso is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The resolution concludes with the House of Representatives directing the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to his family.