Manuel "Manny" Pires, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 11th,.

Manny was born on June 9, 1947 to Francisco and Gloria Pires in Sabugal, Portugal. He came to the United States at the age of 7 with his family and they settled in Yonkers, NY and where he became very involved in the Portuguese community. Manny attended Yonkers High and was a standout in football and track, and served as the student body president. He went on to attend Fordham University,graduating with a degree in Finance and Business Administration. He remained active with the Portuguese community throughout, where he eventually met Fernanda "Fern" Ribeiro. Almost immediately after meeting her (and before they even had their first date), Manny boldly declared, "I'm going to marry you". Ever so charming he managed to say this without scarring her off, and they were married Sept. 18, 1971 at St. Mary's in Yonkers. Manny was a very hard worker and spent most of his early career in sales working for companies such as 3M, Honeywell, and Borden Chemicals – always the competitor he consistently earned honors and awards for top sales performer and leader.

Manny and Fern raised their 3 children, Michael, Matthew,and Mark, initially in Wesley Hills, NY, before building a beautiful new home and moving to Toms River, NJ in 1983. Manny had always been handy and decided that being on the road in sales was taking too much time from his family,so he started a business, Handy Manny in 1985. Manny and Fern made the decision to move to New Canaan, CT in 1991. Manny transformed his Handy Manny business into MPires Construction and became known as a leading custom home builder in Fairfield County, CT, where he crafted many incredible homes over several decades.

Manny loved his family above all else and would tell you it didn't matter what he was doing so long as he was with family. He was an avid sports fan, following his beloved team(s) through all the ups and downs (Go Giants!), he loved math, solving problems, word games, and puzzles….and of course, a healthy debate.

All who had the honor of knowing Manny knew him to be a truly incredible man and an amazing husband, father, grandfather (Papa), brother, uncle, and friend. Family was everything to Manny, and nothing made him prouder than his children and grandchildren: Jocelyn Pires (23), Lauren Pires (21), Caitlin Pires (20), Oliver Pires (17), Matthew Pires, Jr (16), Rosie Pires (16), and Elsie Pires (10). The impact he made on their lives and so many others is simply immeasurable.

Manny is survived by his wife, of 54 years, Fern Pires; son Michael and daughter-in-law Sandy Pires of Westbrook, CT; son Matthew and daughter-in-law Nancy Pires of Trumbull, CT; son Mark and daughter-in-law Lara Pires of Fairfield, CT, and grandchildren – Jocelyn, Lauren, Caitlin, Matthew, Oliver, Rosie, and Elsie. He is also survived by his only living sibling, brother Frank Pires of Glen Ellyn, IL; as well as many sisters/brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday May 15th from 4 – 8pm at Sinatra Memorial Home 499 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, New York 10704. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 16th 9:30am at Sacred Heart Monastery Church, Yonkers, New York 10703. Burial to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery 50 Jackson Ave , Hastings on the Hudson, NY