Lydia Gamboa Dirilo

Lydia Dirilo, 88, of Union, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Lydia Dirilo was born on an idyllic farm in Puelay, in the town of Villasis, in the province of Pangasinan of the Philippine Islands. She grew up surrounded by beautiful topical trees and a lively, loving family. She survived the Japanese invasion during WWII. Lydia lost her young brothers Samuel and Amante, and her father Januario early in life, something she always regretted. Lydia’s mother Gorgonia Gamboa, and her aunts Irene and Aurea were strong influences in her life. Her family has roots in the Methodist church, and Lydia later gave her life to Jesus, the Giver of Everlasting Life. 

Lydia spent much of her young life performing and being admired for her beautiful, light, agile Coloratura Soprano voice. She began studies at the University of the Philippines, Conservatory of Music and at the Universität für angewandte Kunst in Vienna, Austria. She toured the world with the concert chorus of the Vienna State Opera.She is survived by her sister Perla Gracia Mercado, niece Liza Mastrella, nephew Danilo Dirilo, son Michael Eder, daughter-in-law Sandra Coral-Eder, daughter Elisabeth and son-in-law Jonathan Salegumba, and grandchildren Amelie and Daniella Eder as well as Zach Steward-Salegumba and Mikayla May.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation for Lydia on Wednesday, February 25th beginning at 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Galante Funeral Home, located at 2800 Morris Avenue in Union. 

A final viewing will take place on Thursday, February 26th, beginning at 9:00 AM, with a funeral service beginning at 10:00 AM. 

Burial will take place at 11 AM on Monday, March 2nd, at Rosehill Cemetery, located at 792 E Edgar Road in Linden.