Obituary of Jose Daniel Gavilanes

With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of our most beloved son, brother, uncle and nephew, Jose Daniel Gavilanes, a lifelong Summit resident, on Monday, May 10, 2021. He was 42.

Jose was born in Ambato, Ecuador on July 27, 1978, the first of four children. He loved and adored his three younger sisters, Maria, Karla & Silvia and would do anything for them. As a graduate of Summit High School Class of 1997 Jose went on to graduate from Lincoln Technical School in Union where he started a career as an auto mechanic. After more than a decade he moved on to follow his passion of cooking. Customers and friends knew him as “Carlitos”. He brightened up the day with his smile, humorous personality and quick wit. Jose was currently the manager of Roxbury Pizzeria in Succasunna. He was so proud of the business and became good friends with many patrons of the restaurant.

Jose is best known and will always be remembered for his good nature and happiness. He was a bright light that projected positivity and friendship to all, and his addictive smile defined him. Jose went out of his way to help anyone in need and was always a dependable family member and friend. People turned to Jose during tough times to brighten their spirits, which he had a natural ability to do.

Jose adored his nine nieces and nephews tremendously and would do anything for them. They affectionately and simply called him “Uncle”. He was devoted to all nine of them and was always there to spend quality time with them. All of his nieces and nephews have incredible memories with him.

Anyone that knew Jose knew that he was joyful and was a kid at heart. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. Jose loved rollercoasters, was excellent at convincing others to ride them, and was obsessed with the Joker, Simpsons and Family Guy. Jose also had a nickname for everyone, which in many cases they stuck. Jose was a sports fan at heart also. He was a dedicated fan of the NY Mets, even going so far as flipping his nephews to become Mets fans who were born into a Yankee fan family. He loved the New York Giants and frequently attended games and was known to host a great tailgate. He also enjoyed college football, especially the Michigan Wolverines. He took his nephews to many professional football games which began their love for his teams.

Jose was the loving fiancé of the love of his life and best friend, Melissa Acosta and stepfather to her two children, whom he loved deeply, Andrey & Bianca. As he was known to do Jose took on the role of Uncle to his future sister-in-law Silvia Acosta’s children; Rachel, Allyson, Kenneth and Brandon and they lovingly referred to him as Carlitos.

An immeasurable void had been left in the hearts of Jose’s family members and his countless friends. He leaves behind a legacy of positivity and warmth that will never be forgotten. His memory and love will remain alive in the hearts of all that loved and knew him. 

Jose is survived by his loving parents, Gonzalo and Sylvia Gavilanes; his beloved fiancée, Melissa Acosta; beloved stepchildren, Andrey & Bianca; three sisters, Maria Venable and her husband, Rhajon who was also Jose's best friend and brother of Summit, Karla Gavilanes of Summit & Silvia Hogan and her husband Michael of Midlothian, VA; one adoring grandmother, Mami Teresita of Florida; nine cherished nieces & nephews, Anthony, Kylee, Jayden, Keira, Taylor, Stella, Bear, Tristan & Joanie; many loving aunts, uncles & cousins in Florida and Ecuador, and an abundance of dear friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation to celebrate Jose's life on Monday, May 17, 2021 from 2:00PM to 5:00PM at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison. (Adhering to Social Distancing and Masks Required)

A funeral service will be held with in-person attendance reserved for the immediate family only at 5:30PM following the public visitation, however, the Gavilanes family warmly invites everyone to attend virtually via livestream. Please click here for the livestream link.

The family would like to thank all those who donated and gave their condolences during this difficult time. Your love and prayers are deeply appreciated.