It is with profound sadness and love that we remember Manuel Trajano Garces, a devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Manuel was born on May 1, 1937, in Tisaleo, Tungurahua Province, Ecuador, to Segundo Garces and Hortencia Tayo de Garces. He was the youngest of seven siblings, growing up alongside Leónidas, Berta, Pastor, Jorge, Gonzalo, and Rosa.
As a child, Manuel grew up surrounded by the beautiful Ecuadorian highlands. His family had a farmhouse with beautiful land, and his father, Segundo, built a beautiful home for the family with a distinctive red-tile rooftop. These became cherished memories of Manuel's childhood and his Ecuadorian roots.
Manuel believed deeply in family unity and strong family values. He taught his family to love one another, work hard, stay together, and support each other. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to go to school and study hard. He was their number one fan and always the loudest person cheering them on, taking great pride in every accomplishment and milestone.
Manuel met the love of his life, Maria Hortencia, at his brother's shoe-repair store, where she worked as a sales clerk. Their meeting began a beautiful 67-year marriage.
In 1967, Manuel came alone to the United States in search of a better life for his wife and four children. When his family joined him, he and Maria Hortencia worked side by side to build their future. Manuel worked at the Waldorf Astoria and in shoe and leather-jacket factories before opening his own shoe-repair business in 1977.
After a fire destroyed his Brooklyn shop, Manuel persevered and opened another shop in Harlem, where he and Maria Hortencia worked together. His success eventually led to a shop in Yonkers, which became a true family business with his children working alongside him. Through hard work and determination, Manuel achieved the American dream of home ownership and created a happy life for his family.
Manuel was a man of great charm and warmth. He was the life of the party, loved dancing, making people laugh, and bringing everyone together. After retirement, he enjoyed returning to Ecuador, relaxing at his beach house, traveling throughout Europe, and exploring new places. Most of all, he cherished spending time with his grandchildren and their families, creating memories and enjoying the love they brought into his life.
Above all, Manuel was devoted to his wife and deeply cherished his family. His greatest legacy is the strong, loving, and united family he created and the values he passed down through generations.
Manuel is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Hortencia, and their children: Elvis Garces and his wife Sandra; Carol Garces and her fiancé Andy Goldreich; Miriam Cordova and her husband Armando Cordova; and Manuel Garces and his wife Katy Garces.
He was a proud grandfather to Gisselle Alarcon, Lenny Yee, Christina Raimondi, Cindy Query, Melissa Burstell, Kimberly Arko, Rebecca Kaminsky, Brandon Garces, Andrew Garces, Celine Garces, Joshua Garces, and Angelina Garces, and a cherished great-grandfather to Justin, Camilla, Valentina Alarcon, Jordan, Stella, Troy Query, Michael, Matthew Raimondi, Madeline, Mariella, and Genevieve Burstell.
His laughter, stories, dancing, charm, and unmistakable voice cheering for his family will be deeply missed. His life was a testament to love, sacrifice, hard work, perseverance, and family unity. His legacy will live on through the generations he loved so dearly.
Manuel, you were our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and our number one fan. We will carry your love, your laughter, and the values you taught us forever.
Rest in Peace, Manuel Trajano Garces.
Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever missed.
