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Manuel da Silva Carreiro

Manuel da Silva CarreiroThe journalist and writer Manuel da Silva Carreiro passed away on 8 September 1974 at his residence on Avenida Gaspar Frutuoso in Ponta Delgada.

Born on 24 August 1905 in the parish of Ribeira Seca, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, he was the son of Manuel Resende Carreiro, the director and successor of the newspaper Diário dos Açores. Growing up immersed in the world of journalism, his vocation was shaped from an early age. Although he graduated in Law from the University of Lisbon in 1928, he dedicated his entire career to the newspaper, rising to the position of co-director alongside his brother, Carlos Carreiro.

Literary Career

His literary contributions were equally remarkable, with several published works including:

  • Meio-Dia (1927)

  • Norte da Europa (1953)

  • Hispano-Luso-American-Philippine Congress of Municipalities (1959)

  • Camilo and Sena Freitas (Lecture, 1966)

  • Primavera em Espanha (Travel chronicles, 1966)

  • Raul Brandão e os Açores (1967)

  • Oito Dias nos Estados Unidos (Travel impressions, 1968)

Public Administration and Service

A devoted lover of his homeland, Manuel Carreiro held several high-ranking public offices:

  • Mayor (President) of Ponta Delgada (1943–1944; 1955–1962): During his tenure, he acquired the City Park, now known as the António Borges Garden.

  • Representative of Azorean municipalities to the Corporate Chamber.

  • Member of the General Board of the Autonomous District of Ponta Delgada.

  • Vice-president of the Autonomous Port Authority of the District of Ponta Delgada.

  • President of the Hunting Commission (Comissão Venatória) of Ponta Delgada.

  • Board Member of the Carregadores Açorianos Shipping Company.

  • Board Member of Banco Micaelense.

  • Member of the Cultural Institute of Ponta Delgada.

On 23 January 1974, in recognition of his extensive journalistic and public service, he was awarded the title of Commander of the Order of Prince Henry (Comendador da Ordem do Infante D. Henrique).

Leadership at Diário dos Açores

During his leadership, Manuel da Silva Carreiro was decisive in modernising Diário dos Açores, ensuring the continuity of a family tradition dating back to the 19th century. Under his guidance, the newspaper became a primary vehicle for information and culture on the island of São Miguel, actively participating in the region’s civic life.

The Funeral

Following a Requiem Mass at the Chapel of Sant’Anna, celebrated by Father Artur Botelho de Paiva (Parish Priest of the Mother Church of Ponta Delgada) and Father José Joaquim Rebelo, the funeral proceeded to the family vault at the Cemetery of São Joaquim.

The mourning was widespread, with people from all social backgrounds attending to pay their respects. The coffin key was carried by Dr José Oliveira San-Bento, and the casket was covered in floral tributes from family, friends, and staff.

Employees from all departments of Diário dos Açores carried the hearse throughout the procession. The ceremonial ribbons were held in four shifts:

  • 1st and 2nd Shifts: Family members, including Dr João Carreiro, Dr Edmundo da Silva Melo, Dr Eduardo da Silva Melo, Dr Gabriel da Silva Melo, Dr José Tibúrcio, Gil Machado, and Aristides Gamboa da Silva Melo.

  • 3rd Shift: Dr Alberto de Oliveira, Dr Ernesto Correia de Andrade, and Dr José da Silva Fraga (lawyers and friends), as well as Dr. Francisco Carreiro da Costa.

  • 4th Shift: Representatives of the local press, Manuel Ferreira, Victor Cruz (Senior), Dr Lobito de Macedo, and Dr José Almeida Pavão.

In a final tribute, Dr José Oliveira San-Bento spoke eloquently of the deceased’s exemplary life, highlighting him as a journalist, writer, and a citizen deeply committed to the Azores and its community.