Francisco L. Arias

Life is a mystery that everyone tries to understand, yet none of us are able to uncover. Perhaps due to its complexity and unexplained theories that can be difficult for us to fully comprehend. However, as we grow and walk on life's path, we are led to moments that are precious and unforgettable. A long, winding journey, that can be rewarding to those patient enough to enjoy it's many twists and turns. Francisco "Paquito" Arias, began his journey in Orion, Bataan, Philippines on June 27, 1931. Emanating from the union of his parents, Simeon and Felicidad. He rose from being a cute and cuddly baby, into a handsome young man, an asset in which he used to his benefit. He became a pillar to which his younger brother, Rogelio (from the same father) had leaned on often. After the death of his father, his mother remarried and thus was born his half sister Diana Lynn and half brother Alfredo. Francisco was looked on as a role model by all his siblings.

Looking like a matinee idol at the time, many young women wanted to get to know him more intimately. Until the day he met Leticia. At that moment, he had his eyes and heart set on only her, whom he kept loving to this very day. After a long, arduous courtship, they were joined in marriage on January 6, 1951. They settled down in Muzon, Rosario, Cavite. Their union produced 8 children. One of his daughters, Normita, died of an unknown illness at a very young age. He held several jobs afterwards, including working at the U.S. Naval Base at Sangley Point in Cavite, Philippines. A true test of his character came when he accepted to join the service as a part of the U.S. Navy. Knowledge about his marriage and the status of having a child with one on the way, ultimately led to him being disqualified and dismissed from the Navy and the base. Losing everything, he showed the determination and will to find a way to support his family financially. It led to Francisco becoming a full time fisherman, as well as having the responsibility of accounting and wages of the business. He would sacrifice months being away from his family to ensure that they would be provided with food to eat, while sending his children to school to continue their education, something that was extremely important to him. Francisco and Leticia were able to accomplish this with pride. A happy, but strict disciplinarian, his children described him as easy-going and fun-loving, but also a protective father.

In 1981, Francisco and Leticia immigrated here in the U.S. under the sponsorship of his only son, Isagani, who at the time was serving in the U.S. Navy. This event changed his life dramatically. Without any possession from where he came from, he was able to work for a better wage with one goal in mind, to support his family both here in the U.S. and those whom he left in the Philippines. He worked several jobs, such as as produce attendant and as a custodian. Francisco was regarded as a hardworking and conscientious worker by all his peers until he retired. Throughout his journey here, he developed a circle of friends whom he cherished as well.

Francisco "Paquito" Arias, lived a full life until October 14, 2012, after battling a crippling illness for more than a decade. He is survived by his wife, Leticia, his daughters Lorna, Rosemarie, Luisa, Agnes, Cynthia, Maribel, and his only son Isagani. He also lives on through his 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and many other friends and relatives. He set the standard on how a man, a husband, and a loving father should be. He loved his family with all his heart, which was clearly seen in his proud eyes, and heard in his joyful laughter. Family was the most important thing to him, a legacy that will continue to live through us forever. His life journey came to an end it seems, but it will continue beyond this time in the hands of our Lord, whom we believe is holding him now. For all who he has touched as he completed his tasks, we will remember him as a loving and caring person, willing to lend a hand and always giving back with a big SMILE......