Edgardo Toledo Acha

Born in Bicol, Philippines on December 29, 1938 to Natalio and Damiana Acha, Edgardo was the second oldest of five children. Apart from developing a very early interest in basketball, Edgardo lived a simple childhood. Upon graduation from high school, Edgardo enlisted in the Philippine Air Force, serving as a Master Sergeant for 21 years and retiring as a Second Lieutenant. A spontaneous social gathering of citizens and military men led to Edgardo meeting Helen Fangonilo and on May 5, 1967, Edgardo married the love of his life. Shortly after, they chose to start their family in the heart of their country, the capital city of Manila.

In 1995, Edgardo and Helen immigrated to the United States, joining their daughter's family in San Diego. It was here that Edgardo became a public servant, working as part of the Transportation Security Administration for six years. At the turn of the millennium, Edgardo decided to trade the chaotic stress of airport security for the calm simplicity of corporate employment. Edgardo continued to help people, as he always did, at Walmart, until he retired in 2007.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Helen, his three children: Francis (Dan), Alexis (Celia), Heidi Palisoc (Joel), his six grandchildren: Hannah Marie, Jan Emmanuel, Antonette ( (George), Alexis III, Daniel, Kevin (Jordan), great-grandson Caleb, younger brother Larry, his extended family of nieces and nephews, and most importantly... his two family pets, Poppy and Lala.

Edgardo will be remembered fondly for his dedication to the Los Angeles Lakers and Manny Pacquiao, his impeccably organized wardrobe, and his signature look of a tucked white t-shirt, gold chain, and bermuda shorts. His ability to make his family laugh and smile, intentional or not, will never be forgotten.