Obituary of Emanuel J. Aragosa

Emanuel "Manny" Aragosa, 90, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2021. The son of the late Joseph and Rafaella (Mauro) Aragosa, he was born in Schenectady on November 5, 1931.

A 1949 graduate of Nott Terrace High School, he graduated magna cum laude from Siena College with a BS in Economics in 1953. Manny served in the US Navy from 1954 to 1956, and was employed as a cost accountant by G.E. in Schenectady for 8 years. On April 30, 1955, he married Marilyn Thimineur at Sacred Heart Church. 

After 16 years as a National Cash Register salesman, he became the owner of Marty's Hardware on Van Vranken Avenue in 1974. A family business, Marty’s True Value focused on personalized customer service, and Manny took pride in the fact that the store remained open for business during two relocations and several renovations. Manny and his wife Marilyn were also instrumental in founding the Northside Business Association. 

Church organist at Sacred Heart and Saint Anthony’s Churches, Manny also served as Vice President of the board of the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra and was a Patron of the Arts. 

An active member of his community, he was a member of the Boy’s Club Advisory Board, the Human Rights Commission of Schenectady County, and the Schenectady City School District Advisory Board; and also served as president of Northside Little League.

Manny joined the Order of the Sons of Italy in America (O.S.I.A.) in 1970 serving as trustee, orator, and lodge president. In addition, he held numerous State and National offices, was named Beni Emeritus in 2001, and he recently received a 50-year service medal.

Family time was always important to Manny, and in 1973 he bought a camp on Caroga Lake for all to enjoy. Despite the longer commute, he always managed to have the store open in Schenectady at 8 AM! 

He was predeceased by his wife Marilyn, his sister Mary Anne Hayden, grandchildren Lucas Rockwood and Paige Aragosa, great-granddaughter Alyena Rockwood, and his sons-in-law Greg Rockwood and Bill Johnson.

Survivors include his children: Anne (Greg) Rockwood, Joseph (Ann) Aragosa, Mary (Tom) Podesva

Michael (Margaret) Aragosa, Lynne (Mark) Ranze and Theresa (Bill) Johnson. 

Grandchildren: Heather (Robert) Rogers, Joshua (Stefanie) Rockwood, Jacob (Kyla) Rockwood, Amanda (Lucas) Rockwood; Zachary (Jenna) Aragosa, Alicia Aragosa; Laura Podesva, Justin (Hayley) Aragosa, Carli Aragosa, Jenna Aragosa; and William Johnson. 

Great Grandchildren: Isaiah Nardone, Miles, and Isla Rogers; Hunter, Roman, and Leonidas Rockwood; Caroline Jenkins, Alex, and Isabelle Rockwood.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 18th at 9:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church. All are welcome to attend. Calling hours 4-7 pm Friday (Dec. 17) at the GLENVILLE FUNERAL HOME, 9 Glenridge Rd. Glenville.

Entombment will take place following the mass at St. Anthony's Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made in Emanuel Aragosa's name to the City Mission of Schenectady Hamilton St. Schenectady. Online condolences may be expressed at Glenvillefuneralhome.com.