Domingo Mangahas Filardo's Obituary
In the early morning of January 10th, 2024, Domingo “Dom” Mañgahas Filardo, (85 years old) of Union City, CA went to be with the Lord. His wife of 56 years, Bess was at his side. Dom met his soulmate, Nieves “Bess” Filardo, and was married on January 21, 1967. They were two weeks shy of their 57th Wedding Anniversary Celebration.
Born in the Philippines on February 1938, to Luis and Julita Filardo, he was the fourth of six children. He graduated from Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT). He earned honors and received a triple major in Electrical, Civil, and Mechanical Engineering. At MIT, he was active in the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He served as the Regimental Cadet Commander during his senior year. Upon graduation, he also received his commission as a Second Lieutenant and appointed to the Signal Corps. He was hired as a Pilot Trainee for Philippine Airlines. Dom trained in the hopes of flying on the DC-3 airframe. Unfortunately, as a new pilot trainee and lacking seniority his position was eliminated due to a reduction of pilots with the airline. With his background in engineering, he was hired as an telecommunications engineer. Dom was awarded the Professional Electrical and Communication Engineer by the Board of Examiners from the Philippines. He is also a member of the Philippine Institute of Electrical Engineers. As an engineer with the International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT), it led him to immigrate to the United States to start his managerial career professionally in the USA. He worked in many Project Management roles as a Senior Engineer for over 50 years. Most notably, he worked for the construction, engineering, and telecommunication giants Bechtel and AT&T for many years. Working for Bechtel took him to Project Management positions around the world, from England, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Indonesia, Venezuela, and Colombia.
Dom made himself available to the needs of his faith and community. He was particularly proud of his 40+ years of service to St. Anne`s Catholic Church in Union City. There, he served on many committees. He served as a member of the Pastoral Council, eventually becoming the Chairperson. In addition, he served in the Eucharistic Ministry, as a Lecturer, Usher, and several other positions. He also was a member of the St. Anne's Chapter of the Knights of
Columbus (KOC). He held many officer positions and for many years as its Grand Knight. He was also member of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree, Eugenio Pacelli Assembly. His leadership and service as the Faithful Navigator helped the fraternal organization grow in membership and supported college bound students with their scholarships. Some of his memorable roles were playing Santa at the KOC events and caroling with the Knights. Dom was a parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Brentwood as well.
The start of his civic leadership was when he served as the Inaugural Homeowners Association President of Meridan Court, in Union City. He spearheaded and introduced programs that are still in effect today to ensure community safety and in conjunction with the Union City Police department, encouraged the homeowners to be active in the Neighborhood Watch Program.
Dom was very active in the Union City Community as a Senior Commissioner for 18 years. During his time as a commissioner, he had the opportunity to participate in the Union City Citizens Academy in which he and other civic leaders received guidance on increasing knowledge for citizens, civic engagement, and networking to run a successful city. He also served in a variety of roles with the Union City Historical Museum and Society before taking over the role of President. Dom also served as an Advocate for Senior and Elderly programs for Alameda County which he found very rewarding helping other seniors.
He and his wife loved to travel the world. They enjoyed spending time with their grandsons, family, and friends. Dom and Bess would split their time residing between Union City and Brentwood. The surviving family members include Bess of Union City, his sons, Dominic, daughter-in-law Monika of Brentwood, and Aristotle of Barcelona, Spain. The other surviving members are his three grandsons, Alex (Carissa) of Kailua, HI., Nikolas, and Gregory of Brentwood. Affectionally known as G.P., he adored and showered his sage knowledge and love to his grandkids. Rest in Eternal Paradise.
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