Ernesto Estonilo Garcia

Ernesto (“Ernie”) Estonilo Garcia, age 80, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, in San Diego, California, surrounded by his daughters after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He faced his illness with the same tenacity and optimism that defined his life.

Ernie was born on January 27, 1946 in Agoo, La Union, Philippines, the eldest son among eight siblings. A bright and hardworking student, he earned his degree in chemical engineering from the University of the Philippines. He began his career at Muller & Phipps as a pharmaceutical engineer before immigrating to the U.S. to join his sister, Felicitas.

Ernie’s American journey began on March 17, 1971, St. Patrick’s Day. It was marked by a blend of chance and diligence—from a serendipitous meeting that led to a role at American National Bank in Chicago, to a dedicated 30-year career as a production engineer at Brach’s Candy in Cicero. It was in 1977 that he met the love of his life, Angelina “Yeng” Liwanag. They shared 46 beautiful years of marriage until her passing in 2024. Together, they raised three daughters, Valerie, Christine, and Natalie, and a beloved dog, Miko, in Westmont, Illinois. They later enjoyed retirement in The Villages, Florida, before finally settling in San Diego.

An avid golfer and lifelong learner, Ernie was rarely seen without a book in hand or a game afoot, whether it was mahjong, poker, or a day on the links. He found a second home in the library, devouring books and newspapers with a curiosity that never faded. He sharpened his mind daily through the quiet discipline of crossword puzzles and Sudoku, a ritual he maintained throughout his life. A tireless traveler, he and his wife visited over 25 countries and 35 states. He had a passion for discovery and took great joy in passing this to his daughters and grandchildren. Ernie was deeply proud to champion his daughters' careers in law and medicine, ensuring they had every opportunity that had been out of reach during his own youth.

Ernie’s competitive spirit was best felt on the golf course. He took pride in teaching his three girls the game, and together they turned attending the Western Open at Cog Hill into a cornerstone family tradition. In retirement, he redirected his engineering mind toward community building. As President of the Fil-Am Club of the Villages, he transformed the organization by securing community spaces, establishing partnerships with local businesses to create "home bases" at local clubs, and organizing premier golf outings that became the social highlights for his fellow seniors.

A loyal Chicago sports fan, Ernie delighted in gathering his daughters, nieces, and nephews to cheer on the Cubs, White Sox, and Bears, teaching them that the best part of any game was the family gathered around it.

He is reunited in peace with his wife, Angelina; his parents, Jose and Eusebia; and his siblings, Felicitas, Loida, Marianito, Rudy, Tony, and Lito. His legacy lives on through his daughters (and sons-in-law), Valerie (Gerald), Christine (Nicholas), and Natalie (Matthew); his five grandchildren, Ilana, Ellie, Brett, Grant, and Henry Ernest; his brothers, Eduardo and Rafael; and a vast network of family and friends who will miss his intellect and spirit, and will forever cherish his stories, his wisdom, and beautiful memories from a life well-lived.