Manuel & Maria La-Salete
Manuel Vieira Lourenço was a farmer with weathered hands and a hard life on Terceira Island. Maria La-Salete Caetano Martins Lourenço raised six sons with devotion. Their house in Raminho—a small home overlooking the Atlantic with a dirt floor—was full of food and love, if not money.
Bert always reflected on his childhood as some of the happiest years of his life. He grew up barefoot on the farm, doing whatever tasks his father asked. Years later, in his letters and conversations, he would describe his parents as quiet, industrious, loving people who brought him up with the values he carried throughout his life.
Their house has since been renovated by Nélio, their youngest son. The inside was gutted, but the exterior—that connection to the past—was preserved.
Back row: David, Nélio, Daniel, Antonio, João, Adalberto. Seated: Maria La-Salete and Manuel
The Six Brothers
João
The Priest
Followed the seminary path and became a priest. Served in East Timor before coming to America, where he worked for DSS as a Foster Care Reviewer. Later left the priesthood and married. Father of Chris.
Antonio
The Eldest
Bert's older brother. Died in 1986 of heart failure.
David
The Survivor
Received Bert's kidney in a life-saving transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital around 1981. The gift gave David decades more of life.
Adalberto (Bert)
The Subject
Used the seminary education as a launchpad to a life in America. Rose from janitor to HR Director. Gave his kidney to David. Father of Danny, Anthony, and Laura.
Daniel
The Gentle Soul
Owns his own transportation business in Terceira. Danny's godfather. Described as "a gentle soul, always smiling."
Nélio
The Scholar
The youngest, about seven years younger than Bert. Obtained his PhD in Sociology and was appointed Commissioner of Human Services and Social Security of the nine islands of the Azores—a cabinet-level position reporting directly to the President of the Azores. Developed his love of jazz because Bert sent him albums from America.
The Legacy of Values
It is interesting to note that all of Bert's surviving brothers became educated and productive citizens. Their parents' values—quiet, industrious, loving—took root in all of them. The education their aunt sacrificed to provide for one son rippled out to influence the entire family's path.
Sources
- Family accounts
- Family photographs
- Bob Falconero eulogy