Manuel Rodriguez Rijo was born on April 21, 1929 in New Bedford, Massachusetts to Antonio and Isabel (Correa) Rijo. He passed away on the morning of April 8, 2021 in New Dartmouth, Massachusetts at the age of 91. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Family

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Priscilla May (Ponte) Rijo to whom he was married to for 63 years. Additionally he is survived by his son Wayne (Debra) Rijo; daughter Cynthia (Mark) Paradis; and granddaughter Samantha Paradis.

Military

Manuel served in the United States Navy from May 17, 1948 to April 9, 1952. He was a third class Petty Officer and served as a Boiler Room Operator on the USS Sicily during the Korean War. The USS Sicily was an escort carrier that was decorated during the Korean War with five battle stars. At the time of his honorable discharge Petty Officer Rijo was eligible to wear the Korean Service Medal with three service stars and the Navy Occupation Service Medal on his uniform.

Services

A graveside service with military honors provided by the United States Navy is scheduled for Monday, April 19, 2021 at 11:00 am at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA. All guests planning on attending should plan to arrive no later than 10:30 am. The Patriot Guard Riders of Massachusetts will be in attendance as honored guests.

Special Considerations

The Rijo family would like to thank the staff at The Cottages at Dartmouth Village for the excellent care given to both Manuel and Priscilla. In lieu of flowers any memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Manuel Rijo.

Friends, family, and those who served with Manuel are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.