Basilio Gapusan Failma

Dad/papa will forever be in our hearts as a beloved Father, Husband, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather. Born November 28, 1938, in Pasquin (a coastal municipality) in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines. He entered eternal rest in Lancaster, California, on July 14, 2024.

During World War II, Basilio’s father, Pedro, was captured by the Japanese and never returned. Dorothy G. Aguda, a single parent, raised him and his younger brother. His mother put both through school, where Basilio obtained a degree in civil engineering.

Unbeknownst to Basilio, while attending Mapua Institute of Technology, he would meet his future wife in the same apartment complex. He married Corazon B. De Jesus, on March 7, 1959. They were married for more than six decades. They’ve remained committed, loved one another, and remained married for 65 years.

In 1968, Basilio (briefly) left his family in Manila, Philippines, and moved to Honolulu, Hawai’i, to join his mother and to find work. He worked for Dillingham Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company. During the summer of 1970, his immediate family migrated to Oahu. When the U.S. was in Recession in 1982, Basilio once again briefly left his family in Hawai’i and obtained a position with the Whittaker-Bermite Corporation in Southern California; his immediate family relocated to California during the summer of 1982. His career advanced when he worked for the United States Consulate General in Saint Petersburg, Russia. He later worked for Medtronic, a global producer of medical devices and therapies, until his retirement at 74.

In May 1993, Basilio joined the Knights of Columbus, 2455 Lancaster Council. He advanced to the Fourth Degree and was honored to hold the title “Sir Knight” in October 1998. He later became the Assembly Faithful Navigator in the Columbian Year 2012-2013.

Basilio remained a resident of Lancaster, California, for 35 years. He has had Alzheimer's disease, which led to dementia. His last 11 years were spent in the care of his loving and devoted wife.

Basilio is survived by his devoted wife Corazon; loving father of Marie Failma, Johnny (Amy) Failma, Mary (George) Nasr, and Joey Failma (Glen Bullock); cherished grandfather of Maya (Alan) Gutierrez, Victoria Maldonado, John Failma, Laura Failma, David Grill, Christina Habana, Michael Nasr, and Megan (Izzy) Nasr; adored great-grandfather of Jacob Gutierrez, Aria Gutierrez, James Beavers, Jr., Brysen Beavers, Lynette, Lionel, Leah, Jaylenn Washington, and Meilani Rose.

Basilio was preceded in death by his daughter, Maria Salvacion De Jesus Failma, parents Pedro Failma and Dorothy Aguda & brother, Rogelio Failma.

Public Viewing will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Joshua Memorial Park and Mortuary from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with Pray the Rosary from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Vigil and Funeral Mass services will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Lancaster on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Rest in Peace, Dad/Papa. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Jeremiah 31:3