Personal information

Manuel Francis Viegas and Maurice C. Thomas remained in contact in a lifelong friendship after serving together as Armed Guards aboard Richard Caswell.

Manuel had served in the US Coast Guard before joining the US Navy prior to the outbreak of World War 2. He was employed as Armed Guard aboard Liberty ships in the Atlantic Ocean and received a medal in 2001 from the Russian government for his military efforts. After serving in the military, he returned to fishing, as captain and owner of several fishing vessels, retiring in 1992. Husband of 63 years Marjorie I. Viegas nee Bostwick, who died in 2006. He is survived by his children, Emanuel F. Viegas of West Yarmouth, Tracey W. Viegas and Marlene F. Viegas, both of Hyannis; three grandchildren; two nieces; and a nephew. He was predeceased by his son, Stanley R. Viegas.