Manuel Acevedo Sr., 82, of Stratford passed away on March 24th, 2016. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Bridgeport. He was born in 1933 at Barrio Poza in the municipality of Ciales, Puerto Rico. He was one of nine children, with three surviving siblings; Juan, Virginia, and Generosa. He was extremely proud of his roots and would speak with great fondness and joy of his years spent on the farm. His was a very special relationship with the land. Even in the city, he would always have a garden that would produce far more than such a small plot should ever be able to. His abiding love for nature was a life long passion. He would leave the island, and move to Connecticut in 1957. He would call the Nutmeg state home for the rest of his life. He initially settled in Stamford with his wife Blanca. Through the years he moved to Bridgeport, and finally settled in Stratford. A long time employee of Clairol/Bristol Myers, he worked there until his retirement. In addition to his own children, he would take in family members in need and would open his home and heart to all. His generosity and compassion were the tenets that defined his life. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 56 years; Blanca Acevedo; his sons Manuel Acevedo Jr., and Jose Antonio Acevedo; and his daughters; Enoelia Mercado, and Minelva Acevedo. His beloved youngest sister Generosa Martinez, who always held a very special place in his heart along with her husband Jorge Martinez, and a few remaining siblings. In addition to his children, Manuel and Blanca also have 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Visiting hours will be held on Monday March 28, 2016 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Dennis & D'Arcy – Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home, 2611 Main St. Stratford. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday March 29, 2016 at 10:30 am in Blessed Sacrament church Bridgeport with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Mt. Grove of Easton Cemetery. Donations in his memory can be made privately to the family. To offer online condolences please visit www.dennisanddarcy.com