Wilfredo Magno Gan

Wilfredo was born on February 9, 1952, and grew up in Cabanatuan City, in the Philippines. With the help and influence of his family, he graduated from Far Eastern University and was licensed as a civil engineer. In 1981, he left the Philippines to move to New York to pursue the American Dream by finding work and beginning a family While in New York, he married Evangeline Cayas in 1983 and they began a family in 1984.

Willy would finish his career as a civil engineer with Braille Gallagher and Associates, where he worked from February 20, 2002 to April 22, 2022, where he is acknowledged by his colleagues as an excellent CAD Draftsman and the kind of employee that anyone would want.

While Willy worked hard as a civil engineer by day, his most brilliant and conscientious work would end up being the work he put into his home. He used his hands to improve the house that would provide shelter for his family. And he used his heart to nurture those who would live in his house.

Willy shared a beautiful life with his wife, Vangie. Together, they raised and educated three children, Patrick, Sharlyne, and Karen and saw the world together. They would later retire in a beautiful house in Winter Garden, Florida in 2022, where they were frequently visited by family, friends, and their grandson Hudson.

In his last days, he emphasized how proud he was of how his three children turned out as all he wanted for them was to be good human beings. And he wished for his grandson, Hudson, to grow up to be just like them.

His other wish was for his wife and children to get along and take care of one another. He urged all his children to try to see that the world is a better place if you try to help people even if you don’t have much to give. Those close to Willy would find that his love was not limited to his wife and children. Willy is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Shelley, and several nieces and nephews, supporting many of them as if they were his own. And he was also known to have helped a childhood friend help pay for their children’s college education.

Wilfredo loved to be with his friends. He considered many of his closest friends to be family, spending holidays and vacations together. He initiated and founded NEHS (Nueva Ecija High School) Class ’69 Reunion. NEHS Class ’69 held annual reunions where he shared some of his fondest memories with friends. He also initiated and was the founder of NIA-MRP (National Irrigation Administration).

Wilfredo Gan spent his life demonstrating that life is easier and more worthwhile if you use your mind and practice hard work. And in his interactions with friends and family, he demonstrated that the world is a better place if you share what you have with others. He will forever be remembered for the lessons he taught and examples he set about diligent work and compassion for others.

A visitation for Wilfredo will be held Thursday, August 15, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Inc., 321 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956. A funeral mass will occur Friday, August 16, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Anthony's Church, 36 W Nyack Rd, Nanuet, NY 10954. An interment will occur Friday, August 16, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery, 36 W Nyack Rd, Nanuet, NY 10954.