Obituary of Noel Gago Noel J Gago was born Noel Jesus Gago Ferrero on December 24, 1940, in Havana, Cuba. He passed away peacefully on July 2, 2018, at his home in Rockaway, NJ surrounded by his children and grandson. Noel has two children, Carlos Alberto, 44, and Gregory Noel, 41, two grandchildren, Kyle, 21, and Luna Maria-Elena, 2.
Noel grew up the son of an architect and property owner, Pepe Gago, and with the undying love and devotion of his mother, Christobal. He attended the University of Havana and later Louisiana State University, then returning to Havana to complete his undergraduate work and life as a fun-loving, care free, and charming bachelor… …Until he met the girl who would change it all for him, but only after making him prove his intentions were real for such a singular woman. That was Maria Elena Bouza.
She was the daughter of Eduardo and Eva Bouza, the sister of Lino and Eduardo; both of whom she is survived by, and Eduardo Jr. Maria Elena was “Tia” to Louly, Rick and Lini by blood as well as to Nanette, Karine and George by human bond. After leaving Cuba for The United States in 1960, Noel began his Masters studies in Electrical Engineering at the University of Florida. He and Maria Elena, who he had become engaged to in Havana, reunited in Florida before moving to New Jersey to be close to Maria’s dearest and oldest friend, Eva Bergerac (Nan, Karine and Georgie’s mother).
He did not have siblings. So immense and relentless sense of humor was practiced instead on everyone he met in and outside of his family. If you knew Noel Gago, you knew what it meant to laugh, even if you weren’t necessarily in the mood to laugh, you couldn’t help it.
A bit cynical, and at times nihilistic as he aged, he found the humor in every situation, like a studied comic. His whit was quick and his jokes were soft but penetrating. He left people wanting more.
Noel was unapologetically honest. Perhaps that made competing his small company against bigger players a bit challenging – not knowing when to bend the truth – but his business partners, family, and friends always knew where they stood with him. He feared nothing in this life, or death itself.
Not ever. His beliefs were secular and rooted in science and math. He loved researching and discussing such matters with anyone who would listen.
And listen we did. His generosity was quiet, but big hearted and his support for his family was unwavering, especially exhibited during the toughest times in our lives. He was the best man many of us will ever know.
We hope that our parents, Noel and Maria Elena, are reunited in peace and in love, as they were here in life. Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects on Wednesday, July 4 from 11:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. with a 2:30 p.m. prayer service at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, 07834. Interment will be on Friday, July 6 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia’s Cemetery, 160 Academy Street, Rockaway, 07866.
Donations are being made in Noel’s memory to the Charity of Your Choice by way of www. inmemoryof-memorial.org. Please leave a condolence or share a memory with the family.
“The man of the hour is taking his final bow. Goodbye for now”.
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