Obituary of Rafael Montalvo

Rafael Montalvo, 47, of North Street, Gloversville died unexpectedly Saturday, April 24, 2010 in the town of Root. He was born in Amsterdam October 6, 1962 a son of Haydee Santiago Montalvo and the late Carlos Montalvo. Rafael was a life resident of the area and was a 1980 graduate of Amsterdam High School where he enjoyed wrestling and boxing and was a 6 time Golden Glove Champion at the Empire State Games. Following high school he enlisted with the U.S. ARMY serving his country until his Honorable Discharge in 1988. He worked at Exel in Johnstown and Hannaford in Gloversville. Rafael was of Roman Catholic faith and was a communicant of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Amsterdam. He enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends and was an avid fisherman. He will be sadly missed. His loving family includes his mother Haydee Santiago Montalvo of Amsterdam, his loving wife Sylvia-Ann Montalvo of Gloversville, his children Selena Montalvo of Gloversville, Ericka Brown of Gloversville, Alex Rafael Montalvo of Mass., Vivian Sylvia Montalvo of N.C. and Regina Wilson of Edinburgh, his brothers Juan Carlos Montalvo, Daniel Montalvo, Edgar Montalvo all of Amsterdam and Jose Sartin of Galway, his sisters Mildred Fernandez of N.J., Lisi Montalvo of Puerto Rico, and Hilda Montalvo of Amsterdam. Several grandchildren including Nalysia and Lanessa Santiago of Gloversville and nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Prayer Services will be at 8:15AM on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, NY with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 9:15AM at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, East Main St., Amsterdam with Fr. John Medwid as celebrant. The family will receive relatives and friends Wednesday evening from 4:00 to 7:00PM at the funeral home. Interment will be in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery following mass on Thursday.