Mario Matos Crespo

Glendale, New York – Mario Matos Crespo, a devoted family man and beloved friend, passed away at 85 on June 4, 2025. Born in Dorado, Puerto Rico, to the late Julia Perez Crespo and Pedro Matos Nieves, Mario’s life was defined by his commitment to caring for others. Whether through his work as a cook in the food industry, a flower delivery driver, or, most importantly, through his steadfast love for his family, Mario leaves behind a legacy of selfless dedication. Mario found his lifelong partner in Lucy, whom he married in October 1962. For 62 years, they built a beautiful life together, welcoming a daughter and a son, and nurturing a home filled with boundless love and laughter. Mario was the steadfast cornerstone of his family, embracing every role—from loving son and brother to devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, godfather, and uncle—with unparalleled dedication. His genuine kindness, warm spirit, and memorable birthday phone calls endeared him to countless friends and family. Though he will be deeply missed, his profound legacy of love and commitment, famously including his passion for the New York Mets, will forever echo in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him. Mario's memory will be cherished by his beloved wife, Lucy Matos Cruz; his loving children, Luz Esther and Mario Jr.; and his siblings, Emilio Matos, Gladys Perez, and Esther Perez. He was a devoted grandfather to Ruben Mario, Natalie Luz, and Anthony Salvatore, an adored great-grandfather to Ruben Gabriel, Analee Michelle, Yazmin Arelis, Luis Manuel, and Kayani Shay, and father-in-law to Cindy and Tony. Mario also leaves behind a rich tapestry of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julia and Pedro, and Felix Perez, Sr., as well as his siblings: Pedro Matos, Juana Matos, Clotilde Charriez, Federico Matos, Felicita Perez Crespo Burgos, Felix Perez, Jr., and William Perez. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 5 to 7 PM at the Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Road, Newark, DE 19702. A time of sharing will follow at 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 9, at 10 AM at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, 1010 W. 4th St., Wilmington, DE 19805. Burial will follow at Cathedral Cemetery, 2400 Lancaster Ave., Wilmington, DE 19805. For directions or to send an online condolence, please visit www.stranofeeley.com. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in memory of Mario Matos Crespo (Mario Matos, Sr.) to either the National Kidney Foundation or the American Heart Association.

Mario Matos Crespo

January 19, 1940 - June 4, 2025

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