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BORN
1938
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Santiago Tello Obituary
Tello, Santiago Manuel "Manny", a 20 year resident of Upper Saddle River, NJ, passed away on Friday, April 6th, 2018 surrounded by his loving family at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ. He was born May 1, 1938 in Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico. Manny, as he was known to his friends, emigrated to the USA in the mid-70's. Manny was seeking the American dream and found it by opening El Bandito Restaurant in Spring Valley, NY in 1976. This was done in partnership with his friend Leonardo Weiner. That vision grew to include El Bandito Restaurants in Middletown, NY, Fairfield, NJ and Orange, NJ. Manny is survived by his loving wife Angelica; children Tonatiuh (Tony), Citlali (Stella), Krystal, Angel, Victor, Maribel, Taide and Marco; his brother Jose; his 11 grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Manuel and Hilaria. Manny was a successful restauranteur, but most of all, a gracious and welcoming host. This demeanor, along with a wonderful menu, was the secrets to his 40+ years longevity in business. He was also the business mentor to many of his employees so that they too could experience the same American dream. He learned that focusing on family was more important than all else. He felt that his family should appreciate the culture and history of Mexico as well as the opportunities of the USA. This cultural exchange was also shared with his customers as they viewed the murals, the visual history of Mexico, in the Spring Valley, NY restaurant. The family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Rd, Westwood, NJ TODAY, April 8th from 2-7PM. A Mass celebrating Manny's life and faith will be held at R.C. Church Of The Presentation in Upper Saddle River, NJ on Monday, April 9th at 10:30AM with repast to follow at El Bandito Restaurant, 196 NY-59, Spring Valley, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Manny's name to the Mustard Seed Communities, 29 James Ave, Medfield, MA 02050 or Mustardseed.com.
Becker-Funeralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Santiago Tello
Sponsored by Becker Funeral Home - Westwood.
Raymond Rivera
May 23, 2019
May you Rest In Peace Manny! Thank you for your friendship, exceptional hospitality, wonderful food and music for more than 30 years. We enjoyed every visit especially when you sat down with us to chat. My mother loved to sing with the mariachi. You will be missed! Eunice & Ray Rivera & Family
D Maffitt
April 26, 2018
Our thoughts are with Manny's family and employees at El Bandido. He was always so kind and made us feel like family every time we visited the restaurant. Our sincere condolences.
Kat Waehler
April 23, 2018
He was an amazing person, always welcoming, always happy. He treated you like a best friend, always stopping by your table to chat.. what a great loss. He will be missed so much
Len Muscato
April 10, 2018
With profound sympathy for the loss of a most gracious host and gentleman. Manny warmly greeted me for the past 40 years in Spring Valley. He always had time to say hello and pour his guests a shot of Quarenta y Tres. We will miss him, but his spirit will live on at El Bandido. Adios, amigo.
Steve Hannelly
April 10, 2018
I remember him well. He always had time to talk to me while I was waiting at the bar for table. He was very nice!
Steve
Alexander MacDonald
April 9, 2018
Manny always made my visits to El Bandido's Restaurant so special. His wonderful smile and generosity made each visit to his restaurant so memorable. He will be greatly missed, however his spirit will live on within the walls of the restaurant he created!
April 9, 2018
Beautiful person with such a wonderful family. He will be missed by so many. Condolences to all.
Frank and Patricia Plasencia.
Rick Oberson
April 9, 2018
To Manny's family I'm sorry to hear of his passing. For many years he was always special to me. I always felt a kinship with him and we were both always delighted to see each other. I hope you'll continue his legacy of the way he treated people personally and in business! RIP my friend Rick Oberson
April 8, 2018
My family and I have enjoyed El Bandido in Spring Valley for more than 30 years. In the beginning it was clearly the ambiance and great food that kept bringing us back. But then, in addition to all of that...it was Santiago. His hospitality, warm greeting, friendship. A great man. A great loss. Our deepest sympathy to Santiago's family.
Beth, Carl, Anthony and Emily Capuano
Jeanine and Rich Henry
April 8, 2018
We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Tello's passing. We have always enjoyed dining at El Bandido, and Mr. Tello was a delightful host. He will be missed.
Joseph Segreti
April 8, 2018
Mr. Tello, you will be missed! Our deepest condolences to the family Joe Segreti -Wide World of Cars
"The Latin American example must be of work and constant personal improvement outside the country of origin." ~ Santiago M. Tello
April 8, 2018
To the Tello & El Bandido Family:
So sad to learn of Manny's passing. In the 40+ years that I frequented his El Bandido restaurant in Spring Valley, Manny always had a ready smile and friendly greeting for me. Vaya con Dios.
~ Robert Raniolo
James Harvilik
April 8, 2018
Love you Manuel, my dear friend.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
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Memorial Events
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Apr
8
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Becker Funeral Home - Westwood219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675
Funeral services provided by:
Becker Funeral Home - Westwood219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675
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