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Manuel DeSousa - Class of 1979

Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com> on 30/Dec/2025
71.223.143.162

    Manuel "Manny" DeSousa, 66, of New Windsor, New York, passed away on December 27, 2025, at Saint Luke's Hospital in Newburgh, New York, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 4, 1959, in the small, quaint town of Vila Ruiva, in the heart of Portugal, to the late Joaquim Manuel DeSousa and Maria Do Patrocinio Ventura Lopes Mendes DeSousa. Manuel came to Newburgh with his parents and siblings on April 30, 1966, beginning a lifelong journey rooted in love, resilience, and deep family bonds.

He was the devoted husband of Diana (nee Truhn), whom he met in March 1981 while working at Key Bank on Broadway in Newburgh. Though their engagement was short, it was clear to all who knew them that they were meant for each other, and they were married on August 28, 1982, at King of Kings Lutheran Church. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and family.

Manuel was the loving father of Rachel Rosario (nee DeSousa) and her husband, Jonathan, and of Charles DeSousa and his wife, Megan. His greatest joy in life was being a grandfather, and his five grandchildren, Jonathan Emanuelle, Gabriel Christopher, Mila Luz, Amaya Patritcia, and Grant Manuel, were truly his entire world. He cared for them with boundless patience, humor, and imagination, picking worms, hosting tea parties, pretending to be an elephant, assuming the role of a teaching assistant during online learning, singing and dancing with them, and even becoming an avid video-game enthusiast after being introduced to the Sony PlayStation by his children many Christmases ago.

Manuel is survived by his brother Constantino DeSousa as well as his sisters Ana Santos and Maria Lastowski and her husband, Edward Lastowski. He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews, JM DeSousa, Tino DeSousa, Elena Santos, Christina Teator (nee Lastowski), and Alexa Rosales (nee Lastowski), all of whom he loved dearly. Manuel was predeceased by his beloved parents, by his brother-in-law, Marcos Santos, and by his cherished nephew, Marcos Santos Jr., whose memory remained close to his heart. Though born across the ocean, Manuel and his family built a loving life together in the Newburgh, New Windsor community while remaining deeply connected to their Portuguese roots.

A graduate of Newburgh Free Academy, Manuel was an excellent and naturally skilled athlete, proudly playing soccer for the Goldbacks. He later shared his talents and passion by coaching Little League Baseball, soccer, and CYO basketball, inspiring countless young athletes with encouragement, patience, and a love for the games he excelled in. A true sports enthusiast, he was a diehard fan of the Mets, Cowboys, Rangers, and Knicks, supporting them with unwavering loyalty and spirited energy. From a young age, Manuel was deeply rooted in his faith, serving many years as an altar boy at his neighborhood church, Saint Francis of Assisi Church on Benkard Avenue. He continued to take part in the local church community through CYO basketball coaching, volunteering at bingo nights, and helping at soup kitchens, sharing his time and talents generously with others.

Manuel worked as a hairdresser in the family business, Rainbow Hair Salon in Vails Gate, where he brought joy to everyone he met. Even while facing significant health challenges from a young age, Manuel met life with courage and determination, embodying a never-quit, don't-back-down spirit, much like his favorite characters, Rocky and Creed. He was the life of the party, always laughing, joking, and lifting others up with his sense of humor and positive outlook on life. Above all, he was a caring father, a devoted husband, a playful and loving grandfather, and a friend who made every room warmer just by being in it.

The family has chosen to celebrate Manuel's life with a Catholic Mass on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Saint Francis of Assisi Church in Newburgh, NY, directly followed by a burial service at Calvary Cemetery in New Windsor, NY. There will be no wake or viewing. He will be remembered for his kindness, laughter, love of family, passion for sports, and the generous spirit he shared with all who knew him. His love and legacy will live on forever in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional staff at Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh for the compassionate care and support they provided to Manuel during his many visits and hospital stays. Your dedication and kindness made a meaningful difference to him and his family. October 4, 1959 ~ December 27, 2025

In honor of Manuel's memory, and in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his name to one of the following organizations:

St. Luke's Cornwall Health System Foundation
Support the compassionate care provided by St. Luke's Cornwall. Donations can be made online at:
https://www.montefioreslc.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/

Deacon Jack Seymour Food Pantry
Financial contributions help the pantry purchase food at reduced rates from the regional food bank. Donations may be made by check, payable to The Deacon Jack Seymour Food Pantry, and mailed to:
Sacred Heart Church
301 Ann Street
Newburgh, NY 12550

Donations can also be made online at:
https://www.wesharegiving.org/App/Form/d4896727-e8bf-4626-a679-39a3aed7eb5e