Gabriel Cano, Sr.

It is with profound sadness and grief that the Cano family announces the passing of Gabriel Enrique Cano Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who departed this life on August 4, 2025, at the age of 81.

Born in Quito, Ecuador in 1944, Gabriel immigrated to the United States as a child with his father and siblings after the tragic loss of his mother, Delia Estrella. With hope in their hearts and a dream to build a better future, the family settled on West 108th Street in New York City. With dogged determination, an indefatigable work ethic, and firm commitment to constant learning, Gabriel built a life that inspired all who knew him.

Gabriel spent most of his career in the drycleaning industry. During this time, he owned and operated two drycleaning locations in the Bronx, where he proudly displayed a plaque that identified him as the “The Clothes Doctor”. Gabriel went on to become an account manager at the Neighborhood Cleaners Association, a trade organization committed to the promotion of safety and innovation in the drycleaning industry. Throughout his career, he was known as a diligent worker, skilled listener, and adept conversationalist, who made friends wherever he went.

Family was the cornerstone of Gabriel’s world. He was married to Margaret for 62 years, a loving parent to Gabriel Jr, Claudia, and Kenneth and recently had the blessing of meeting his daughter, Carol Morrison and grandson, Josh Morrison. Gabriel was a proud grandparent to Victoria, Chrystle, Danielle, Amanda, Juline, Minerva, Gia, and Shane. He was also a loving great grandfather to Giovanni, Aubrey, Julian, Brielle, Brianny, Zoe, and Riley. His legacy of love, laughter, and resilience lives on through them.

Gabriel will be remembered for his warm smile, his love of music, literature, and paddleball, and his deep pride in the loving family that he helped build. His life was a testament to the power of laughter, determination, and hard work.

He is survived by his brothers, Gustavo and Francisco (Paco), and his sisters, Ines and Delia and preceded in death by his brother, Raul and sister, Cecilia.