Gerardo F. Almonte

Gerardo “Jerry” Foz Almonte, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully at The Valley Hospital in Paramus, NJ, on July 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 82 years old and had made his home in New City, NY, for many years.

Gerardo leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years, Ernestina DeLeon Almonte, the love of his life and his steady partner through every season. He is deeply missed by his two sons who were the pride of his heart, Jose Almonte and his wife Farah, and Carlos Almonte and his wife Devin, and by his ten cherished grandchildren, Jordan, Alexandra, Rowan, Dylan, Aidan, Brody, Christian, Myles, Eleanor, and Grayson, each of whom brought him tremendous joy. He is also survived by his siblings, Oscar Almonte, Robert Almonte, and Socorro Almonte, and was predeceased by his siblings, Jose Almonte, Carmen Almonte, and Ralph Almonte.

Born on September 24, 1943, in Tabaco, Albay Province, Philippines, to Jose Riosa Almonte and Maria Foz Almonte, Gerardo carried the values of his upbringing with him throughout his life, faith, hard work, and devotion to family. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and became a Certified Public Accountant in the Philippines, laying the foundation for a career built on integrity and quiet dedication. In 1968, he was the first in his family to leave the Philippines and make the journey to the United States, a bold step that took great courage and laid the path for the family who would follow in his footsteps. Fittingly, Gerardo passed away on the Fourth of July, on the 250th anniversary of the nation that gave him the freedom and opportunity he sought when he came to this country. It was his courage that opened the door for his family to pursue the American dream, and that legacy remains one of the greatest gifts he gave to those he loved.

Gerardo was a devout Roman Catholic and a man of deep faith, active in his church community through BLD (Bukas Loob sa Diyos). His spirit and generosity touched all who knew him. He had a warm and infectious sense of humor that could light up a room, paired with a rare empathy that made everyone around him feel seen, heard, and valued. He was humble in a way that never called attention to itself, yet passionate about the things and people he loved, and he worked hard for everything he built for his family.

Above all, Gerardo cherished his wife and his sons. He and Ernestina each made the journey from the Philippines to the United States separately, and it was in New York City that their paths crossed, the beginning of a love story that led to their wedding day on March 6, 1971, and lasted a lifetime, rooted in love, faith, and family. He will be remembered not only for what he achieved, but for the warmth, laughter, and love he gave so freely to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

A viewing will be held on Friday, July 17th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Inc., 321 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 18th, at 10:00 AM, at St. Augustine's Church, 118 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956, followed by burial at 11:30 AM at St. Anthony's Church, 36 West Nyack Road, Nanuet, NY 10954.

The visitation will be livestreamed via the ling below;

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26073340483250

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to

Parkinson’s Foundation New York Chapter

Attn: Donor Services

5757 Waterford District Drive

Suite 310

Miami, FL 33126

Or

Visit https://www.parkinson.org/newyork