Obituary of Dante J Pestano

Dante Joers Pestano, 53, of Bridgewater, New Jersey, passed away on June 23 at home surrounded by his husband, family, and closest friends.

Visitation will be held at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home,  101 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 from 1:00pm-4:00pm on June 28, 2024. The Funeral Service will start at 3:30pm at the funeral home. The family wishes to invite everyone to the dinner reception at The Ridge, 300 N. Maple Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 immediately following the service. 

Dante was born in Masbate, Philippines to Heldibrando Pestano and Shirley Joers Pestano on November 9, 1970.  He attended Shawnee Mission West High School in Overland Park, KS.  He then received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS.   Dante went on to serve his country as a Specialist in the US Army stationed at home and abroad in Germany.

Dante is survived by his loving husband, Patrick Ricci of Bridgewater, NJ.  He is predeceased by his parents, Heldibrandoand Shirley Pestano and his beloved sister, Ruth DeLeon. He is survived by 9 siblings; Susan Wharton of St. Louis, MO, Jackie Manaig of Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, Brenda Villarante of Las Vegas, NV, Noela Pestano of Overland Park, KS, MaryAn Pestano of Lenexa, KS, Alfred Pestano of Overland Park, KS, Tomas Pestano of Overland Park, KS, Edwin Pestano of Blue Springs, MO, Ryan Pestano of Singapore and their spouses, nieces, nephews and cousins.   His 5 closest friends were at his bedside at the time of passing.  Kevin Soucie, Michelle Ledesma, Grace Alignay, Jonathan Ricci, and Doris Rutherford  

In lieu for flowers, please consider a donation to a local animal rescue or shelter in Dante’s name.