Matteo Padovano, 71, passed away peacefully in his home on September 12, 2019. Italian by birth, American by choice, Matteo called Jersey City home since emigrating to the United States in April 1967. Matteo was known around the city for his infectious laugh, sharp tongue, quick humor, distinct accent, and proved a mainstay in his community for more than 50 years.
Successful and driven throughout his life, nothing gave him more pride and bliss than his adoring wife of 44 years, Oksana. Together they raised two compassionate, beautiful, hard-working children, Arsenio and Nicole, who were the joy of his life and his reason for being. In 2013, Matteo’s life was further blessed with the birth of his first grand-daughter Alyse, and continued to watch his family blossom with the birth of his grandson, Lukas, and grand-daughters Stella, Emilia and Natalia.
Matteo was the beloved son of the late Arsenio and Antonia Padovano. In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, he is survived by his daughter-in-law, Sylvia Padovano; son-in-law, Lester Lembryk; sister, Concetta Patruno and her husband, Sabino; and, brother, Giuseppe Padovano and his wife, Claire. Matteo also leaves behind loving nephews, nieces, cousins and countless friends.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, September 15, 2019 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Riotto Funeral Home, located at 3205 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ 07306. Funeral will begin on Monday, September 16, 2019, 9:00 AM at the Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will follow 10:00 AM at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, located at 3545 Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City. Interment will take place at Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City. In lieu of flowers, Matteo’s family asks that you please make donations in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.