Manuel Fernandez de Henestrosa

Manuel Fernandez de Henestrosa passed away January 3rd, 2022. Beloved husband, of Maria del Rosario (Charito) nee Calvo, they were married 59 years. Their romance lasted 60. Meeting in Madrid in late 1961 they exchanged letters across continents until Manuel returned to Spain to marry his true love on Dec. 27, 1962. God blessed them with snow that day in Murcia and with love for the rest of their lives.

He loved us; Richard, Louis and Victor, his three sons by current age. We love him. He was a remarkable Papi teaching us about selflessness and love for family. We will miss him very much. Manuel adored our wives and children and they adored him: Victor’s wife Christine sons Michael and Matthew; Louis’ wife April and children Christopher and Sarah; Richard’s children Allison and Nicholas will all miss their ‘Buio.

Manuel was predeceased by his mother Manuela and his grandmother Maria who raised him in Madrid and instilled a love of music, culture and art. They taught him wonderment and an awe of what humans can create.

He will be dearly missed by family in Spain and his friends near and far, la familia Calvo, sus amigos de cartas y los de su juventud.

He was proud of his work as a CMA. 15 years as a volunteer at NYGH. The Gift Shop would have had the most accurate books. His many relationships and pride of work at Schindler Elevator. Schindler reflected what Manuel believed a corporate citizen should be and he relished his time and position as CFO. His many friends at Chesebrough Ponds, Faberge and American Standard will surely think of him fondly. He enjoyed every path and journey of his career. He used to tell us “the only bad thing about work is being away from your family so make every minute count.”

Manolo loved to travel, studied history and combining these passions on trips around the world was one of his great joys. He took great pride in being surrounded by books. His books gave him peace and taught him about the world.

We will remember Manolo as a gentleman, kind and witty, smart and deep.

Mass will be celebrated on Saturday January 22nd at 11:00am with visitation immediately prior at 10:00am at Good Shepherd Parish, Thornhill. Internment will follow. Here with social distance and maybe a tear and a smile behind our masks we will say goodbye to a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, friend -our Manolo.

In lieu of flowers in memoriam donations may be made to the North York General Hospital Foundation.