Brigadier General Manuel G. Pereira, Retired, NYANG, “Manny”, entered into rest on Monday, December 27, 2021. He was 77.
Son of the late Manuel and Julia (Norat) Pereira, he was born on July 8, 1944 in Bronx, NY.
General Pereira’s military career spanned more than thirty years of service. He enlisted in the USAF in 1967 and his aptitude led to his appointment to Officers Training School. Upon completion he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and further trained as an aircraft maintenance officer. After a one-year tour in Vietnam he returned stateside and in 1974, transferred into the NYANG. Progressing through the ranks he held many job responsibilities including, commander of the 174th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (Syracuse, NY) which in 1982 was selected as the outstanding Maintenance Squadron for the USAF. He was later assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing as Deputy commander for support.
Among his military awards and decorations are the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with four devices, Presidential Citation, Meritorious Service with OLC, Air Force Commendation, Air Force Achievement Medal and Small Arms expert.
General Pereira holds undergraduate degrees in Industrial Psychology from Central State University, Management and Mechanical Engineering from Cedarville College as well as post-graduate degrees from the University of Dayton and Harvard University. In 2001 in recognition of his long, dedicated and unwavering service to his country he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General by then NYS Governor George Pataki.
Survivors include his wife, Carol A. Pereira; a son, Martin W. (Jacqueline) Pereira, of Walden, NY; a daughter, Tammy L. (Jason) Berube of Campbell Hall, NY; two brothers, Robert W. (Kathy) Pereira of Pewaukee, WI, and John (Melody) Pereira of Winter Garden, FL; four grandchildren, Heather, Kristen, Jeanne’ and Justin; and nieces and nephews, Jay, Angie, Johnny, Adam, Jimmy, Benjamin, Jesse, Michael, Kevin, Kristen, Matthew, Nathan, Kimberly, Karen, and other family members.
Visitation will take place on Friday, January 7, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Leptondale Bible Church, 1771 Rt. 300, Newburgh.
A Funeral Service will follow at 12 pm at the Church with Pastor Michael O’Dowd officiating.
Burial with military honors will follow at Ulster County Veterans Cemetery, New Paltz.
Donations in Manny’s memory can be made to either Gideons International at gideons.org or Wounded Warriors Project at woundedwarriorproject.org.
Arrangements are under the care of White, Venuto and Morrill Funeral and Cremation Service, 188 N. Plank Road, Newburgh, NY 12550