By Nicole Falco
A project manager for a Bronx-based woodworking company, DaMota was attending a breakfast meeting on the 107th floor of World Trade Tower One. The 43-year-old Valley Stream resident was discussing plans for a wine room for Windows on the World.
Born in Portugal and raised in the Republic of Angola in Africa, DaMota first came to New York at 21. Shortly thereafter he took a job at a SoHo-based mill-working company. It was there that he honed his skill as a woodworker.
"He loved to make things. He loved to work with wood - it was his passion," said Barbara, his wife of 11 years.
DaMota soon began his own company, Brooklyn-based Woodlux Custom Woodworking, until joining Bronx Builders in 1994. As a project manager for Bronx Builders, DaMota's craftsmanship can be seen in such high-end restaurants as the Russian Tea Room and Nobu Next Door.
His passion for his job was only equaled by his passion for Barbara, his 10-year-old son, Chris, and his two sons from his first marriage, Justin, 21, and David, 19.
"He was such a happy man. We never fought," Barbara said. "I think he lived for me. If I was happy, he was happy. He wanted to give me everything."
When DaMota found out Barbara was pregnant with their second child after they had tried so long to have another one, he was thrilled. Despite his promise to Barbara that he would not share the good news until they were certain the pregnancy was okay, DaMota could not contain himself. DaMota quickly shared the good news with his boss.
DaMota was also quick to share his home with friends. "We always had a friend in the house every weekend," Barbara said.
At his memorial service, his friend, Tim Higgins, called him a "gentle man and a gentleman." And through tears his friend and neighbor of five years, Pat Conway, said, "People like Manuel are a rare find. I realize how fortunate I was to have known him."
DaMota's memorial service was held the Saturday before Christmas. Barbara could not bring herself to have the memorial sooner especially after attending the memorial service of Obdulio Ruez-Diaz, a family friend. Ruez-Diaz worked with DaMota and the two were together on Sept. 11 when tragedy struck. DaMota had gotten Ruez-Diaz the job about three years ago. Years before, Ruez-Diaz had inadvertently introduced DaMota to Barbara.
While visiting from Paraguay with her aunts, Barbara happened to meet DaMota. Ruez-Diaz and one of Barbara's aunts had a mutual friend who needed a ride to the airport. Ruez-Diaz asked his friend, Manuel DaMota if he would drive since he had a van. DaMota agreed. Also in the van that day was Barbara and her aunt, who wished to see her friend off.
"I was sitting in the back of the van and Manuel was looking at me the whole time through the mirror," Barbara said. "I never thought I'd be with Manuel...but it just happened."
