Manuel Joaquim Goncalves

Manuel Joaquim Goncalves of Long Island, NY, passed away, Friday June 3rd, 2022 at the age of 78 in Sesimbra, Portugal. Manuel was the beloved father of Carmine, father-in-law of Liz, and grandfather of Daniel and Diana. Born in Cercal, Portugal, on July 15, 1943, he was the youngest of four brothers born to Francisco and Maria Luiza. He spent his childhood in the Alentejo region of Portugal until moving north to Sesimbra in his early teens. There he fell in love and married Irondina Apolinario. He and Dina immigrated to the United States in 1971. He began working at a deli in the East Village, going to night school to learn English. In 1975 the couple welcomed their only son Carmine and later moved to Queens, NY. He worked for many years as the manager of a Bagel Nosh in Manhattan’s Columbus Circle, making amazing bagels and intricate food platters for New York City’s socialites. After a brief stint as the personal chauffeur for the late Lady Vincent Astor, in 1985 he moved his family to Mineola. There he and his wife took over an old grocery store on Willis Avenue and christened it Mineola Deli. He and Dina would run the store for the next 30 years, serving the Portuguese community of Long Island. As the Portuguese population in Mineola grew, he and Dina welcomed new families to the community, often finding jobs and homes for them. Known affectionately as "Manny," he was a friend to everyone who knew him. Manny loved his family, his store and his soccer team, Sporting Lisbon. A celebration of life service will take place at Cassidy Funeral Home, 156 Willis Avenue, Mineola, New York on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 10 am to 12pm. His family will be there to welcome friends and relatives. Please send memorial donations to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at http://www.stjude.org/give