Obituary of Nelson Enrique Monfiglio

Obituary of Nelson Enrique Monfiglio

Nelson Enrique Monfiglio passed away at his home on Valley Way in West Orange on April 27, 2021 at the age of 79.

Nelson was born in Montevideo, Uruguay on November 6, 1941, and was the only child of Juan Antonio Monfiglio and Manuela Sarriegui. He emigrated to the U.S. in 1968 to Orange, NJ, and eventually settled in West Orange, NJ, where he lived for 47 years. There he embarked on a lifelong journey of providing an amazing life and opportunities for his family.

Nelson was an avid math student, and, in Uruguay, he studied accounting and was a bookkeeper with CUTCSA (Compañia Uruguaya de Transportes Colectivos SA), the local bus and transport company, early in his career. When he arrived in the U.S., his many professions included driving a Newark Airport taxi for about 10 years and working as a Professional Tractor Trailer Owner-Operator with Casco Services in Newark, NJ. He had an impeccable driving record for decades and was constantly recognized for his excellent driving history.

Nelson was an avid soccer enthusiast and was always knowledgeable about the various soccer leagues around the world, especially those in his beloved Uruguay. He also coached his boys in soccer and taught them the love of the game and you could always find him on the sidelines of his grandchildren’s games, cheering them on. He could relay various statistics of teams and players and always kept current on the sport. He had a curious mind and was always informed on topics ranging from politics to current affairs to business. He had an incredible work ethic and taught his family about values and honesty. He was an honorable, loyal, humble and caring person.

He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh and have an animated conversation. A tireless and fearless husband, father, grandfather, and friend to everyone, Nelson enriched the lives of those around him with his kindness, ingenuity, and warm smile. With his quick wit and attention to detail, Nelson made every person he conversed with feel special and loved. In his daily routine, you would always find him preparing and sipping mate on his porch with his wife Gloria, with whom he recently celebrated 57 years of marriage.

Nelson is survived by his adoring wife Gloria, who he met in 1963; they share three children. He is survived by his devoted daughter Claudia Monfiglio Da Cruz and her husband Manuel, his son Carlos Eduardo Monfiglio and wife Lina Garcia. Their third child, Washington Nelson Monfiglio, sadly passed away on December 31, 1988 in West Orange. Nelson’s six grandchildren, who love him eternally and will miss him tremendously, are Sofia, Emily, Nicholas, Marco, Amelia and Mateo.  Nelson was also constantly spreading his love and affection to his extended, tail wagging family Coco and Kobi (and not to be forgotten, beloved Blackie), who he also considered to be his grandchildren as they loved to see El Abuelo/Tata, especially when he dropped treats from the dinner table.

Visiting will be held on Sunday, May 2, 2021 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at The Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange, 340 Main Street in West Orange. 

A Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday, May 3, 2021 at 10:00 Am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1 Eagle Rock Ave in West Orange. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 225 Ridgedale Ave. in East Hanover.

During the COVID 19 pandemic, all persons entering the Funeral Home, Church and Cemetery will be required to wear a face mask or face covering throughout their stay. Likewise, all social distancing rules must be adhered to. Gathering together in groups should not happen. A continued flow throughout the facility will aid in keeping all of us safe, with everyone having an opportunity to pay their respects.