Manuel ("Manolo") Dorandino Migoya, a devoted father, grandfather,

great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026, at the

age of 92, after a courageous battle with metastatic prostate cancer.

Born on January 19, 1934, in Crossboyne, County Mayo, Ireland, Manuel was the son of

Mary Ann "May" McNamara Migoya and Angel Dorandino Migoya. At just three months

old, his family relocated to Cerrazo, Spain, where he was raised alongside his eight

siblings. As the second oldest of nine children, he learned the values of hard work,

responsibility, perseverance, and devotion to family—qualities that remained with him

throughout his life.

At the age of sixteen, Manuel immigrated to New York, where he attended night school

while working a variety of jobs. Through determination and hard work, he found his

passion for construction. Largely self-taught in masonry, he started his own

construction business, building, repairing, and restoring homes while taking on a wide

variety of construction and masonry projects. His exceptional craftsmanship,

unwavering work ethic, and attention to detail earned him the respect of clients and

colleagues alike. Despite his success, Manuel remained humble and took great pride in

providing for his family.

In 1961, Manuel married the love of his life, Elizabeth. They shared almost sixty years of

marriage until her passing in 2021. Together they raised four daughters: Suzanne, Lisa,

Catherine, and Lillian.

One of Manuel's greatest accomplishments was building the family home in Melville,

New York. With help from family whenever they could lend a hand, he built it with his

own hands, creating a home where generations gathered to celebrate holidays,

milestones, and life's everyday moments.

Following the heartbreaking loss of their daughter, Lisa, in 1992, Manuel and Elizabeth

opened their home and hearts to her children, Angela and Nicole. They raised them,

providing the same guidance, stability, and support they gave their own children. It

was an extraordinary act of compassion that reflected Manuel's deep sense of

responsibility and unwavering commitment to family.

He is survived by his daughters, Suzanne Bartasek (William), Catherine Schlie

(William), and Lillian DeNicola (Thomas). He was predeceased by his beloved daughter,

Lisa Migoya Whelan (Paul).

He was the proud grandfather of Angela Whelan, Sean Bartasek (Louise), Kristen

Bartasek, Nicole Stokes, Michael Schlie (Lindsay), Samantha DeNicola, Zachary

DeNicola, and Rebecca DeNicola, and the cherished great-grandfather of Izabel, Noah,

Lucas, Ari, Elisa, and Amelia.

He is also survived by his siblings, Conchita Meana (Enrique), Mari Piquero (Manuel,

deceased), Patricia Faude (Rudi), Etelvino ("Nino") Migoya (Maria "Línes"), and Rita

Gomez (Paulino). He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Elizabeth; his daughter,

Lisa; and his brothers James ("Jimmy"), Jose, and Luis Migoya.

Manuel found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved tending to his home and garden,

growing his own vegetables, and enjoying a fine glass of wine. Whenever work allowed,

he enjoyed spending summer days at the beach with his family. He was an avid sports

fan, especially soccer (fútbol), and had a remarkable knowledge of history. He could

spend hours sharing stories, historical facts, and memories, leaving those around him

with a greater appreciation for the past.

Above all, Manuel was a hardworking provider. He believed the best way to care for his

family was by working tirelessly and ensuring they were always provided for. Though

he was a quiet and private man who rarely expressed his emotions with words, his love

was most often shown through his dedication, sacrifice, and actions.

Even in the face of illness, Manuel never gave up. He faced each day with

determination and an unwavering desire to keep living, reflecting the same resilience

that had defined his life from the very beginning.

His life was a testament to hard work, perseverance, humility, and determination. His

legacy lives on in the home he built, the family he helped shape, and the example he

set through a lifetime of dedication and integrity. He will be deeply missed, forever

loved, and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Manuel's name to: The Cancer Institute of St. Francis Hospital