By MATTHEW KASS, EDITOR
January 22, 2021 at 2:23 AM
Manuel Pereira was the assistant principal at Jonathan Dayton High School for many years, where he fostered friendships with members of the school community.
Manuel Pereira was the assistant principal at Jonathan Dayton High School for many years, where he .
Credits: Higgins and Bonner/Matthew Kass
By MATTHEW KASS, EDITOR
January 22, 2021 at 2:23 AM
SPRINGFIELD, NJ Local residents are mourning the loss of former Jonathan Dayton High School Assistant Principal Manuel Pereira, who passed away on Jan. 17.
Pereira, 78, a Westfield resident, was born on April 26, 1942, in Palmerton, Pennsylvania. He met his wife Elaine in 1963, marrying her in 1966. They lived in Roselle Park for a time, before moving to Westfield in 1969. While living in Westfield, they raised their three children, Lynn Nicusanti, Christine Sliwinski and Jeffrey Pereira.
Joe Pereira and partner and companion Berta Cunha are now shifting their entrepreneurial focus to East Providence.
They said they’ve closed on a deal to buy the Red Bridge Tavern restaurant and bar and its building at 22 Waterman Ave., which also includes an attached three-story apartment house.
Cunha and Pereira said they expect a smooth transition in terms of personnel. They said Cunha’s younger brother, who tends bar, as well as their Fall River cook are both coming with them.
They also said they are not laying off anyone at Red Bridge Tavern, where the husband-and-wife owners who previously worked as head cook and bar manager are retiring.
FALL RIVER Berta’s Restaurant, Tapas & Bar, with its dual dining rooms and entrances at 201 and 195 South Main St., served its last meal and bar drink this past Saturday night.
Joe Pereira and partner and companion Berta Cunha in February 2019 opened their “European-style” eatery filling a four-year void after the departure of Trio Café & Lounge and are now shifting their entrepreneurial focus to East Providence.
They said they’ve closed on a deal to buy the Red Bridge Tavern restaurant and bar and its building at 22 Waterman Ave., which also includes an attached three-story apartment house.
Cunha and Pereira, who live in Cranston, said they had their share of loyal Fall River customers but that Rhode Islanders accounted for as much as 70 percent of their clientele.