Obituary of Matilde Galano

Matilde Galano Matilde Galano, 95, of Passaic, New Jersey, passed away on February 11th, 2024 after a sudden decline in her health.

Her family believes Matilde was born on March 7th, 1928 but she frequently lied about her age and it would change depending on who she spoke to. She was born to Delfina Armenta and Juan Yi as one of six, Maria, Roberto, Esther, Alvaro, and Juan. As a young woman, she had aspirations of becoming a nurse and excelled in school. She was proud of her achievements throughout her schooling, winning awards for penmanship and academics.

She met her husband, Manuel Galano, on a crowded bus in Matanzas, Cuba when she offered him a seat next to her. They enjoyed a long courtship and married ten years later on his birthday, December 31st, 1953. They remained married for 51 years until his passing in 2004. When he fell ill, Matilde was a devoted caregiver and never left his side. She was often told by doctors that her care was what kept her husband alive for many years.

After living in Mexico for some time, the Galanos emigrated to the United States in September 1966, settling in West New York, New Jersey. Matilde and her family celebrated many milestones, marriages, and welcoming grandchildren in their lives. She would playfully tell them she was turning into picadillo when they hugged her too hard.

Matilde will be remembered for her dynamic personality, and a fierce advocacy for herself and those she loved. She was sharp of wit and would often win debates and disagreements. She once disagreed with a cashier about two plátanos being one because they were connected at the stem. In the end, she was only charged for one plátano. She also had an appreciation for fine living, whether it was getting her nails done, the joy of a good meal, or getting tattooed with permanent eyeliner, she took pride in taking exceptional care of herself and her family.

Her departure is deeply felt by her family and the countless others who loved her fiery spirit. She is survived by her sister Esther Yi, children Gisselle Galano and Manuel Galano, her grandchildren Jacqueline Ravelo, John Paul Ravelo, Emerys Brito, Chrissto Canales, and Matilde Galano.

Services will be held at Jorge Rivera Funeral Home in West New York, New Jersey on February 20th at 8 AM-11 AM, followed by mass at St. Joseph of the Palisades Roman Catholic Church.