Guillermo Collo Supnet

Guillermo Supnet was born on February 10, 1924 in Orence, Narvacan Ilocos Sur, Philippines, to the late Sabino Supnet and Gregoria Collo. Guillermo was the oldest, and had one younger sister, Angelita, who joined our Savior in 2000. As a young man, he dreamt of being a doctor, but his father wanted him to pursue a shorter course. Guillermo ended up pursuing Aeronautical Engineering and served as a Medic for the guerillas during World War II. He passed on his dream of becoming a doctor to his first-born son, Medardo, and in that way fulfilled it.

Guillermo’s close friend, Antonio “Tony” Corrales, introduced him to his future wife and love, Concepcion “Connie” Cabasa, or "ling" as they fondly called each other. During Connie’s collegiate years, her relationship with Guillermo continued to grow. As a 2nd Lieutenant of the Philippine Air Force, Guillermo was given a mission to lead a platoon of enlisted men against government insurgents. It was a dangerous mission so before he left, he married Concepcion at Manila City Hall. Within the military he also served as a financial officer of a seven fighter Squadron. Later, Guillermo was sent to Airforce officer school at Fernando Air base for two years. At this time, Guillermo, Concepcion and their two daughters moved to Manila, which is was where their two sons were born. Guillermo and Concepcion brought four bright and beautiful children into the world – Gloria, Edna, Medardo, and Samuel, whom they adoringly called their “G.E.M.S.”

While serving in the military, Guillermo became ill requiring prolonged hospitalization. After his recovery, he decided to retire to spend more time with his family. When Guillermo retired from the Philippine Air Force, he and his family returned to Narvacan. There, Guillermo was an active participant in his community and was elected as Captain for Barrio Orence and later became the President of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

Every Monday, Guillermo took his wife to work and drove her to the closest point possible to the mountain near Nagbukel, a distant town from Narvacan, and Concepcion would walk the rest of the way. She spent the rest of the week there and Guillermo and the children picked her up on Fridays. He spent his Saturdays hunting and attended church with his family on Sundays. This routine continued until Concepcion was assigned to a closer school. He also managed his property and land while his wife continued her career in Academia. During this time, Guillermo grew an affinity for agriculture, and the results of this can still be found in his backyard here in California. Guillermo and Concepcion raised and supported their children until they obtained their own professional degrees. Gloria received a degree in nursing, Edna a bachelor's degree in Business, Medardo a Medical degree, and Samuel pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering.

In 1973 Guillermo came to the United States and traveled between California, Arizona, and Alaska for three quarters of the year and went home to the Philippines during the holidays to be with his family. This continued until his wife joined him in 1979. They chose to settle down in San Jose, CA. Guillermo acquired a steady job in Silicon Valley as a Stock Room Clerk at Applied Materials until he retired. Upon retiring, Guillermo and Concepcion would go dancing every Sunday. They enjoyed dances such as the Tango and Waltz. Concepcion and Guillermo were active members of the Sampaguita Seniors group for many years. Concepcion was the chairman of the board and Guillermo was the auditor. Guillermo was very religious and attended church every Sunday with his wife. Guillermo and Concepcion also went on a fourteen-day religious pilgrimage in Europe where they visited various churches and the Holy Land. He generally enjoyed spending time with his family, dancing with his wife, watching Fox News, and tending to his garden.

Guillermo's wife, Concepcion passed away in January 2015. He joined her in eternal life one week before their 64th anniversary. This was no surprise to his family, as Guillermo and Concepcion were truly a match made in heaven even here on Earth. November 21, 2015 would have been their 64th anniversary and because he couldn't live without her, they're spending it together now in heaven.

Guillermo entered into eternal life on November 14, 2015 surrounded by all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Guillermo is survived by his children and children-in-law, Gloria, Edna and Edwin, Medardo and Luz Maria, Samuel and Sandra, and Marilyn; his grandchildren, Eileen, Desiree, Ray and Sheree, Medalyn, Genelyne, Mark, Stephany, Alyssa, Geraldin, Jonathan, Wyro, Marnella, Lance, Melyssa, and Zodia; and his great-grandchildren, Douglas Jr., Tristan, Xyden, James, Kylie, Clinton, Jacob, Hunter, and Aurora.

Guillermo will be remembered for his stoicism, chivalry, and dedication to his family. All who knew and loved him will miss his laughter, jokes, and humble spirit. As his grandson Mark said, “He was a man of discipline and character. He had no regrets and lived a life he wanted and deserved. He has a family that wishes he could have lived forever and wife he would do anything for.” His family will eternally know him as “Dod”. Rest in Paradise, Dod.