Obituary of Michael Louis Manieri

Michael Louis (Mike) Manieri, beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away after a brief illness on May 11, 2023 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, NY, surrounded by family and friends.

Michael was born in Schenectady on February 4, 1957, to Dominic A. Manieri and Margaret M. (Stasilli) Manieri. He was 66 years old.

Michael was born with Down Syndrome and was under the excellent care of Schenectady County ARC, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families.

Throughout Mike’s childhood and early adulthood with his parents, and later through the services of ARC, Mike lived a rich, full life, and enjoyed many interests and activities.

He worked in a sheltered workshop at Pine Ridge Industries, earning a paycheck until he retired. Mike received ARC day services from Mapleridge Day Program, where he learned many skills. He participated in the horticulture and therapy dog programs, volunteered at City Mission and read to school children, to name a few of his interests.

Mike also received services from ARC residential programs, and lived in a lovely ranch-style home on St. David’s Lane with 4 of his housemates, who became his closest friends. He received superior 24/7 care from ARC’s Direct Service Professionals (DSPs), who always assured Mike lived his absolute BEST life.

Michael was a kind, generous, and extremely helpful gentleman, who never hesitated to assist his fellow consumers or perform many chores around the house. Everyone who was touched by Michael, (including Michael himself) focused only on his abilities, never his disabilities.

Michael’s many passions included Rock and Roll of the 1960s/70s, Special Olympics, bowling, and disco dancing. He was a fan of Elton John, Billy Joel, and the Beatles. As an athlete, he excelled at swimming and won many medals of achievement with Special Olympics.

Michael is survived by his heartbroken family, friends and caregivers. He was preceded in death by his parents and survived by his five older siblings: Sylvia (Norman) Lowry, Tina Wood, Adele (Lynn) Frye, Margaret Stambach, and David (Jill) Manieri. Also grieving are many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Calling Period will be held at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. on Monday, May 22nd, from 3 to 4 PM. A Celebration of Life Service will immediately follow at 4 PM. Service will be live-streamed on the Glenville Funeral Home Facebook Page. Anyone with or without a Facebook account can click the following link and stream live: https://www.facebook.com/GlenvilleFuneralHome The service video will be posted here on Mike's obituary page to view on demand. Everyone is welcomed to a dinner reception in Michael's honor immediately following services at Johnny's Italian American Restaurant, 433 State Street, Schenectady NY 12305. 

Burial at Calvary Cemetery in Herkimer, NY is the following day, Tuesday, May 23rd at 12 PM. Friends and relatives will meet at the cemetery. Family and Friends are welcome to gather for a celebration of life luncheon immediately following interment at Salvatore's Restaurant at 650 1/2 W. German Street, Herkimer, NY 13350.

Memorial donations may be made to the Special Olympics, 2600 Virginia Ave NW, 11th Floor Washington, DC 20037, or click the following link: Donate Online 

ONLINE CONDOLENCES MAY BE MADE AT GLENVILLEFUNERALHOME.COM