In Memoriam

Carmelito A. Llapitan (December 14, 1910 - April 2, 1988)

Carmel A. Llapitan, U.S. Army veteran and postal clerk, and his wife, Angeles (Anne), arrived in Chicago in 1949. Affectionately known as “Manong Carme," Llapitan, together with Filipino American families, helped found the Filipino American Council of Chicago (FACC) in 1953, to unite the Filipino community. He served as council president 1961–1965 and 1970–1978. In 1974, Llapitan led the effort to purchase the former Orphei Singing Club at 1332 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, that would become the Dr. Rizal Memorial Center.

Rufino F. Crisostomo, Jr. (September 5, 1936 - September 4, 2018)

Rufino F. Crisostomo, Jr., M.D., KGCR, was a man who nurtured thoughtful inquiry, dialogue, and action through a combination of wisdom, optimism, and charm. His international background informed his vision of community as a conciliatory practice of listening, learning, and collaborating cooperatively between constituencies. He understood the intrinsic value of unity in diversity. His life exemplified the Filipino heart and the ideals of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal. He will be remembered for his great intellect, sense of wonder, thoughtful stewardship, and dedication to community service and philanthropic leadership.

Dr. Crisostomo leaves us a legacy to build upon, a vision to continually pursue and restore the good for our Filipino American and broader communities. His influence is reflected every day through the endeavors of the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago, in its passion to serve the vulnerable, and in the thoughtful, caring, and supportive community that has become the hallmark of the FACC.

Let us continue each day to be inspired by his example and his call to foster cross-cultural dialogue, appreciation, and understanding - and make the Rizal Community Center a welcoming place for all.

Alexander N. Gonzales (June 30, 1938 - August 19, 2020)

Alexander N. Gonzales, affectionately known as Alex to all, passed away early Wednesday morning, August 19, 2020, in a nursing home under hospice care. He was 82 years old. His memory is a blessing.

Alex was born on June 30, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois. He was a loving husband, father to three daughters, grandfather, and uncle. He was a friend to all. Alex was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He was an indefatigable advocate of social justice and the human spirit.

Alex was among the earliest Filipino American families in Chicago. As a pioneer, his tireless efforts to bring recognition to Filipino Americans in American society helped create a path for us to follow. Alex served as the second President and, more recently, as Immediate Past Chair of the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago. He and his family was instrumental in the purchase of the building that would become our Rizal Community Center. Alex gave much to this country and to our Filipino American community to be proud of.

We will remember him fondly.

Alexander N. Gonzales, 2nd President and Immediate Past Chair - FACC the Board of Directors

We honor those who touched our lives and who died during the coronavirus pandemic:

Flora D. Adizas, 95 (d. May 28, 2020)
Alan Aube, 63 (d. May 30, 2020)
Ceasar Tenorio Acar, 58 (d. May 15, 2020)
Rodelio Aglibot, 52, Award-Winning Chef (d. March 28, 2020)
Erlinda S. Alban, 75 (d. January 8, 2020)
Roselinda Florido Almase, 74 (d.February 23, 2020)
Vincent L. Ang, M.D., 87 (d. March 7, 2020)
Lucila G. Baker, 79 (d. March 2, 2020)
James L. “JB” Bartlein, 31 (d. May 4, 2020)
Primo Biala, 76 (d. April 20, 2020)
Rogeli O. Bayani, 85 (d. March 3, 2020)
Julio Bueta, 66 (d. March 29, 2020)
Jaime Cabanez, 57 (d. May 6, 2020)
Linda Estrella Cabrera, 80 (d. April 17, 2020)
Conrado Lomibao Cachola, 83 (d. April 26, 2020)
Alvin Flores Capangpangan, 45 (d.February 2, 2020)
Nicholas V. Clar, 36 (d. March 16, 2020)
Evelyn "Evie" Crews, 70 (d. April 7, 2020)
Anastacio "Tanny" de la Fuente, 65 (d. March 23, 2020)
Clavel Distor-Kroll, 47 (d. May 26, 2020)
Zenaida "Zen" Lirazan Edralin, 75 (d. January 31, 2020)
Victor Teodoro Espino, 78 (d. May 10, 2020)
Remedios Abadilla Esquieres, 80 (d. February 07, 2020)
Thomas "Tom" Fencl, 53 (d. April 5, 2020)
Cesar P Flores, 65 (d. April 15, 2020)
Ray Castaneda Fuclan, RN, 65 (d. April 13, 2020)
Amado G. Gad, 82 (d. April 29, 2020)
Rev. Dr. Louie Gallo, 49(d. March 7, 2020)
Emilio Garcera, 93, WWII Veteran and Congressional Gold Medal recipient (d. May 11, 2020)
Ligaya M. Garcia, 81 (d. April 23, 2020)
Krist Angielen Castro Guzman, RN, 35 (d. May 2, 2020)
Ferdinand G. "Ferdie" DeGuzman, 59 (d. February 11, 2020)
Elisa Ronas Hendricks, 73 (d. April 27, 2020)
Aprilyn Mernado Husayan, 26 (d. March 5, 2020)
Daniel Z. Ignacio, 81 (d. May 19, 2020)
Abraham R. Isaac, 95 (d. January 22, 2020)
Francisco Lacson, 65 (d. April 30, 2020)
Manuel C. Laxamana, 73 (d. March 12, 2020)
Rosaline "Lina" Loyola Lopez, 71 (d. April 23, 2020)
Luis A. Lugo, 50 (d. May 12, 2020)
Venus T. Mapula, 76 (May 4, 2020)
Esther Labrador Martin, 79 (d. April 2020)
Aurora McCall, 82 (d.May 6, 2020)
Anjanette "AJ" Miller, RN, 48 (d. April 14, 2020)
Emma Vidal Mille, 94 (d. April 30, 2020)
Josefina Millora, 77 (d. May 14, 2020)
Dominador “Doming” Q. Montecillo, 82 (d. April 14, 2020)
Adolfo Magararu Montesa, 74 (d. April 13, 2020)
Amadita “Amet” Morris, 70 (d. April 6, 2020)
Francisca C. Neri, 97 (d. May 8, 2020)
Dr. Eusebelito Nievera, 63 (d. May 16, 2020)
Estela Alesna Ohlrogge, 62 (d. May 14, 2020)
Enrique E. Pabellon, 78 (d. May 2, 2020)
Joyce Pacubas-Le Blanc, RN, 53 (d. April 23, 2020)
Jose L Penalosa, Jr., 86 (d. March 2, 2020)
Yan An "Steve" Que, 67 (d. May 16, 2020)
Belen Recto, 79 (d. May 11, 2020)
Nestor C. "Eddie" Reyes, M.D., 89 (d. January 25, 2020)
Remedios B. Runo, 86 (d. April 29, 2020)
Thomas Cabilao Sabay, 81 (d. April 15, 2020)
Isaias (Sammy) N. Sagum, 70 (d. May 6, 2020)
Hermenegildo P. Sales, 83 (d. March 25, 2020)
Sergio Lozano San Agustin, 78 (d. May 3, 2020)
Mary Cherry Santiago, 44 (d. May 12, 2020)
Bautista "Best" Aramel Santos (d. March 21, 2020)
Rodolfo R. Seeto, Sr., 75 (d. February 13, 2020)
Pamela Lung-Hui Shu, 67 (d. January 12, 2020)
Douglas Nicolas Soriano, 67 (d. January 28, 2020)
Norma Sutton, 73 (d. February 11, 2020)
Josephine Tapiru, LPN, 56 (d. April 18, 2020)
Luis Tapiru II, 20 (d. April 14, 2020)
Norma Banea Valeroso, 75 (d. January 15, 2020)
Driffin M. Vibar Sr., 78 (d. May 4, 2020)
Genoveva Villamater, 62 (d. February 20, 2020)

May their memories be blessings to all who knew and love them. In all we do, we will remember them.