Obituary of Matthew Galvez

Schenectady - Matthew Joseph Galvez, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2017 in Schenectady, New York. Matthew was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 12, 1926. He graduated from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute High School. He then studied at Princeton University, and continued on to receive a degree in Metallurgical Science and Engineering from Columbia University, followed by a Master's degree from Polytechnic University (now part of NYU). He joined the army as a "Roosevelt youth" and served twice in Italy. He married, Cleta Aliventi, on June 6, 1953, an enduring marriage of 63 years. He resided with his family in Schenectady, New York for the past 59 years. Matt specialized in the emergent field of nuclear power generation. He worked at Sylvania Electric, the Martin Company, and then spent most of his career at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, a division of the General Electric Company. As a leader, Matt managed nuclear reactor components for U.S. Naval ships. He was well known for his intellect, his strong work ethic, and especially for his passion for mentoring young professionals. He was a lifetime member of the GE Elfun Society, the American Society for Metals, and the American Nuclear Society. Matt worked extensively with disadvantaged youth, tutoring math and science, and co-led the development of a religious education program for Our Lady of Fatima Parish. Upon retirement, he joined GE retirees in founding what ultimately became a substantial organization to refurbish computers and donate them to schools and institutions that could not otherwise afford to have this technology. Matthew was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He leaves behind his wife, Cleta Maria Galvez; his daughter, Cleta Maria Galvez; his son, Matthew Steven Galvez; and his daughter, Mary Christine Burke and husband, William Joseph Burke; his grandchildren, Christine Nicole Ferguson and husband, Dan Patrick Ferguson, Danielle Marie Baker and husband, Benjamin Joseph Baker, Nathan Todd Galvez, Daniel Matthew Galvez; and two great-grandsons, William Daniel and John Patrick Ferguson. He also leaves behind his sister, Nancy Lorenzo; his brother-in-law, John Aliventi and his wife, Theresa Aliventi; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Matthew is preceded in death by Maria Gelices and Cristobal Galvez (parents); Christopher and Mildred Galvez, Mary, Mel and Melchor Rodriguez, Manuel Lorenzo and Gloria and Joseph Vales. The family extends their sincere appreciation to the compassionate and loving staff of Kingsway Arms Nursing Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church, 2216 Rosa Road, Schenectady, New York. Father Robert Longobucco will be officiating. Visitation will be held, Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at the Daly Funeral home, 242 McClellan Street, Schenectady, NY, between 4 and 8 p.m. Burial will follow on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Coram, New York. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to American Heart Association /American Stroke Association , PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049. The family of Matthew Joseph Galvez wishes to thank you in advance.