LIVINGSTON — On nights when Hector Gesualdo had to work late, he’d come home with gifts for his three children — pieces of candy or little toys. It was a small gesture that often sparked the frustration and quiet admiration of his wife, Rita, who’d already tucked the kids into bed. But Gesualdo was, as his son described him, “always a giver.” Whether at home or at work, he made a life of helping people. On Wednesday, the husband and father of three, died suddenly of complications following a heart attack. He was 59.

For 25 years the Livingston resident worked as vice president of fundraising for the United Way of New York City. In 1999 he became executive director of ASPIRA, a nonprofit group that offers New York City students free college preparatory classes. ASPIRA of New York is a youth services agency, founded in 1961, working to foster the advancement of the Hispanic community by helping Latino youth aspire to improve their lives through educational excellence and to better their communities through enlightened leadership. In his 12 years with ASPIRA more than 40,000 students went through the program. Continue reading →