Sylvia Galea

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Salvina was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Salvina knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Salvina was born on October 5, 1955 in Gozo, Malta. Her parents were Joseph and Carmen Cutajar. Salvina was raised in New York City. Even as a youngster, Salvina learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Salvina was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Salvina was raised with two siblings. She had two younger siblings, Frances and Tony. Salvina had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Salvina, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

In school, Salvina was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Salvina was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Salvina’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Cathedral High School in 1974. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

An objective and conscientious individual, Salvina reveled in the security of her family. On June 12, 1976 Salvina exchanged wedding vows with Joseph Galea at the Saint Joseph's Church of Astoria, New York. One of Salvina’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Salvina was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Salvina would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Salvina was blessed with three children, two sons, Anthony and Daniel, and one daughter, Jackie. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Andre and Diana.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Salvina was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Salvina was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Salvina upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was a loving wife, mother, and Nanna. She was employed at Saks Fifth Avenue until she got married. She worked in the cafeteria of Saint John's Prep School, where her children were able to see her every day when at school. Salvina was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Salvina approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were to be with her family and friends. She was always entertaining and loved to cook. Sylvia loved to go shopping. Salvina was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Salvina used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Salvina had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included going to Malta in the summers. Weekends in Long Island always made her happy. Some smaller trips she loved were to Disney, Amish Country.

Salvina was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Some of Salvina’s favorites were her multiple dogs over the years, Tyler, Bailey, and Coco.

Salvina passed away on March 13, 2013 at Mount Sinai in Astoria, Queens. She fought courageously against cancer. She is survived by her loving husband, Joseph, her children, Anthony, Jackie, and Daniel, her parents, Joseph and Carmen, her siblings, Frances and Tony and her daughter in law Darlene, and her grandchildren, Andre and Diana. Services will be held at Saint Joseph's Church. Salvina will be laid to rest at Saint Michael's Cemetery in Queens.

All who knew her would agree that Salvina was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives.