With broken hearts we announce the passing of our cherished Papa - beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, steadfast friend.
Angelito Yglesia Ciriaco, Jr. was born on October 3, 1933 in Pasay, Rizal, Philippines to his
mother, Mercedes Manalo Yglesia, and father, Angel Reyes Ciriaco. The youngest of five
children, he survived imperial occupation of the Philippines and came of age in the shadow of
World War II. These experiences left a deep impression on him and shaped the resilience,
independence, and devotion that defined his life.
Angelito pursued education through hard work, earning an Associate’s Degree in Aeronautical
Engineering and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. As a licensed engineer in the
Philippines, he held positions in aircraft, textile, mining, and paper industries. In 1971, he and
his wife made the courageous decision to emigrate with their four children to California. Starting
over in a new country was not easy, but he applied his training and education to build a long and
meaningful career as a design engineer. After three decades of honorable service as a Principal
Engineer, Angelito retired; a moment that confirmed his belief that he had, in his own words,
“beaten the odds.”
On May 10, 1960, Angelito married Cecilia Lagran. Their marriage lasted almost 65 years and
was the foundation of his life. Together they raised four children, and later they welcomed
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Angelito was a devoted Lolo who loved and helped raise
his grandchildren, providing guidance, structure, and care.
In retirement, Angelito and Cecilia traveled widely, joining pilgrimage to the Holy Land and
returning often to their motherland in the Philippines. Angelito took great pride in caring for his
family’s cherished home in San Ramon, California. When he wasn’t working in his yard, his days
were often filled with the timeless musical and cinematic classics of his youth or cheering on his
favorite local sport teams.
Angelito’s life was not without struggle. His family’s journey held both hardship and
achievement. What endures is the foundation he and Cecilia built together. His life’s work was
not only his engineering career, but also the paths he cleared for those who came after him.
Angelito was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cecilia. He is remembered with love by his
children, Hermenegildo “Gil” Jose, Maria “Jing” Hermila, Maria “Joy” Hermina, and Maria “Liza”
Herdeliza, grandchildren Jonah Katelin (Andrew), Jacob Angelito (Jessica), and Ciara Cecilia
(Craig), great-grandchildren Bud Angelito, Silas Arlo, and Henry Joseph, and by all who knew
him as a man of strength and quiet devotion.
Angelito lived 91 years, each one unforgettable in every way. May he rest in peace and eternal
light, reunited at last with mother and Cecilia, his darling and greatest love.
Viewing for Angelito will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 8:30AM - 9:30AM, Funeral Mass to follow from 10:00AM - 11:00AM, committal will be from 11:00AM - 11:30AM. All services to be held at the Cathedral of Christ the Light, 2121 Harrison Street, Oakland, CA 94612.
Eternal rest grant unto Angelito Ciriaco, Jr., O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
