Victor Franco S. Borlaza

Victor Franco Sanchez Borlaza lived a life full of love and care for his family and friends. He passed away on Monday, November 13, 2023 at Kaiser Santa Clara Hospital at the age of 81 years old. Franco, or Angkoy as his siblings called him, is remembered for his initial tough demeanor, but those who really know him, remember him for his charming and fun personality. He is now beginning his eternal life in Heaven, reunited with his parents and loved ones.

Franco was born in Liliw, Laguna, Philippines on January 30, 1942 to Jose Collantes Borlaza and Jovita Luz Sanchez. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Generoso, Moises (Moi), and Cecilia (Cely). Franco is survived by his wife Concepcion Reyes Borlaza, his children Carmel Lou married to Jay Nacionales, Maria Victoria (Marivic) married to Raymond Borlaza-Ochoa and their children Ronan Alrick and Arcadia Rayne (Jing-Jing), Angela Luz married to Shaun Inuman and their daughters Giuliana (Yana) and Francesca (Frankie), and his siblings Angelita (Angie), Lydia (Loyd), Herminia (Emy), and Jose Ed (Pepot).

Franco attended Mapúa Institute of Technology, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines, where he studied mechanical engineering. With his father, he opened Triangle Motor Works in Makati, Philippines. Aside from engineering and automotives, Franco also had a passion for training dogs. He later immigrated to the United States on December 5, 1979 and lived in South San Francisco, California. He worked as an auto mechanic in a shop called The Car Doctor. He continued his career as an electrical transit mechanic with The San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI) where he worked the graveyard shift until he retired in 2009.

At 39, fate brought Franco to the Caroza family’s housewarming party in San Jose on February 28, 1981, where he met the love of his life, Concepcion Reyes, known to many as Connie or Ching. They began their short but sweet courtship and married on September 26, 1981, to continue their “Endless Love”. This year, they celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary.

Franco immersed himself in reading the daily newspaper page by page and loved to solve Jumble and Crossword puzzles. His other pastimes included fixing things around the house, growing fruits and succulents, repairing and maintaining cars, watching Bay Area sports, playing weekly Lotto and scratchers, and of course, spending time with his family. He took pride in being a girl-dad to “two girls and one daughter” and also loved being a grandfather lovingly known as “Lolo Daldal” and “Tata”. Franco has traveled to many places, but most of all he enjoyed traveling with Connie when they retired. A few of their favorites were Lourdes, France, The Holy Land, Fatima, Portugal (where he along with others, carried the statue of Our Lady of Fatima for the centennial celebration), Switzerland, Medjugorje, Hawai’i, and Mexico City (their last trip together). He often enjoyed a Johnnie Walker over good conversation, food, and company, which left many with lasting impressions and stories to remember him by. Franco will be greatly missed by all.

A visitation for Victor will be held Tuesday, December 5, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. A rosary service will occur Tuesday, December 5, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. A visitation will occur Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 5111 San Felipe Rd, San Jose, CA 95135. A committal service will occur Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125.