Obituary of Manuel Portugues

Manuel Portugues Obituary Manuel Portugues, 95, affectionately known as ‘Manolito’, passed away at home on Saturday, March 28, 2020 in Fort Lee, New Jersey. He was born on April 28, 1924 to Andres Portugues and Maria Hechavarria in Santiago, Cuba. On January 2, 1949 he married Silvia Polanco – a marriage that brought much fulfillment to his life for over 70 years. Manolito is survived by his wife Silvia, daughter Elena, sons Manuel and Pedro, daughter-in-law Annette, son-in-law Eddie, sister Elma, grandchildren Eric, James and Peter and two great grandchildren. His deceased daughter, Silvia Maria, passed in October 2019. Manolito was a loving father, husband, grandfather, great grandparent and friend to many. Manolito managed a sizable family’s estate in Cuba up until 1959 when Castro’s communist regime nationalized businesses and socialized the economy. Seeking a better life and greater opportunities for his children, Manolito took risks and emigrated with his family to the US as political refugees in 1968. Manolito started a new life without knowing the language, and through hard work, strong family values and with much love, he focused his children on having a good education and a strong work ethic. As much as he loved his native country, he strongly embraced and loved America. Manolito always gave of himself to his family and friends and was admired by many. He enjoyed watching Yankees baseball and loved to travel, eat good food, drink a good scotch whiskey and socialize with friend and family. A special thank to all of Manolito’s caretakers for their loving care and support. Given the situation with the Coronavirus, a wake and burial mass will not be possible at this time. The family will have a proper mass for Manolito once the situation settles. If you care to provide a gift, memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation (https://www.michaeljfox.org/Donation - click on ‘Donate in Tribute’). This organization is dedicated to helping those with Parkinson’s disease and finding a cure.