Artemio B. Santillano's Obituary
Artemio “Tem” Borromeo Santillano passed away on April 12, 2018 in Paranaque City, Philippines, after a sudden and fatal heart attack. Art was a devoted and loving husband to Wilma for 39 years and blessed one son together, Robert, as well as two other sons, Ronald, James and wife Amy, and 5 grandchildren: Jasmine, Allie, Alyssa, Cecilia, and Emily. Art was a generous brother, brother in law, uncle, cousin and friend to many and godfather to numerous children. He was honest and generous to all those he knew.On May 28, 1937, Artemio Borromeo Santillano was born in Bislig, Tanauan, Leyte where he grew up with 11 brothers and sisters. In 1962, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After several stints on various naval ships, in 1978 he was assigned in Great Lakes, Waukegan Illinois as an electrical instructor. It was here where he met Wilma. They dated and eventually vowed their lives to one another in Marriage in 1979. Art continued to serve in the Navy for 20 years and retired in 1982 as a Chief Electrician (E7) in the United States Navy. Together, Art and Wilma moved to Northern California. Within a year of relocating, he landed a job with FMC, a defense contractor located in San Jose. He spent the next 15 years designing, implementing, and installing electrical system for Bradley Tanks used by the U.S. Army. Art loved his family dearly. They established a tradition of hosting the family Christmas Eve celebration since 1982, inviting and celebrating with family, relatives, children, and friends. Art served as the President of Bislig Leyte association of CA, Chairman of the Hayward Santo Nino Prayer group of Hayward, President of Cabadbaran club of Northern California, Vice President of AFASAR (Association of Filipino American Senior of Alum Rock, a member of St. Bede’s Santo Nino Prayer Group of Hayward. and along with Wilma, are members of the Bohol Nurse Association of Northern California. Art has been instrumental in helping these clubs with fund raising events such as building a new church in Bislig, Tanauan, Leyte, raising money for other charities, as well as organizing social gatherings and dances. Art also loved creating and Printing programs, fliers, dinner dance and raffle tickets, as well as souvenir programs free of charge to help each of the clubs reduce expenses. Art was a trusting, generous, religious, and well natured person who was fun to be around, especially with his jokes. Art and Wilma shared their blessings abundantly with so many friends and family. He was also a great cook. Everyone loved his dishes, especially his spaghetti and sinigang which young and old loved it. In his free time, Art loved going to the casino and spending hours at the blackjack tables. Art you touched many lives and surely be missed. Vaya con Dios to you and we pray for you and may you rest in peace, Amen.
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