Joseph Louis Buktaw

DECEMBER 3, 1975 - NOVEMBER 27, 2022

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Today, we mourn the unexpected passing of our beloved Joseph Louis Buktaw. Many of us know him as Joseph, all of his friends know him as simply JOE.

Along with so many of us here and others elsewhere, we remember and celebrate the life of Joseph Louis with gratitude, with thankfulness, with much love.

Difficult as it may be, I say again it is a time to celebrate the life of Joseph. Joseph was born in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in different parts of Southern California (West Covina, Altadena, South Pasadena, Rancho Bernardo, La Costa, Fullerton, San Marino, San Gabriel, La Palma, Long Beach and Garden Grove). He even spent three years with his grandparents in Toronto, Canada. Joseph also spent some time with his mom and Cherry in Sussex, England… so to speak, Joe has been around, is truly an understatement.

He spent his elementary years at St. Elizabeth Parochial School in Altadena, San Marino Elementary School and St. Stephen in Fullerton. Joseph started his high school years at San Gabriel High School, but finished at the John F. Kennedy High in La Palma.

Joseph was especially and passionately interested in computers, and spent a lot of his free time learning this technology. Not long after graduating from high school, he decided to enroll at DeVry University and OC Institute of Technology to further hone his IT skills.

Through the years, Joe held many different jobs, always looking for the right fit for him, the environment that he felt comfortable in, and the place that appreciated his talents.

Joe was also an amiable guy and an excellent dancer. Naturally, he had many close and good friends. But the one trait he exhibited was his kind, compassionate and gentle heart. Joe was always ready to help others, especially those in need.

Joseph was blessed with a kindred spirit; people often had an instant bond and felt as if they were naturally on the same frequencies. People could count on him and they would respect each other no matter what the circumstances were, or the choices they had made at the time… again, because he “got” their backs… he understood them.

Along the way, Joseph and his long-time partner, Cheryl Manalo, had three daughters, Charity, Angelica and Sarah Joy. From that time on, his daughters were the love of his entire life. He took them everywhere, tutored them and consistently helped them with their studies, and lovingly cared for them. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his daughters.

Joseph is survived by his loving daughters, Charity Laya 21 yrs, Angelica Avelina 20 yrs, and Sarah Joy 13 yrs. He is also survived by his oldest brother, Jose Avelino (Joevee) Buktaw (Felicita) , his dear "ate", Margaret “Cherry” Buktaw-Zacarias (Pedro), nephew JJ Buktaw, Rhjay, Jayric, JP, Ryan, niece Samantha and his daughters' maternal grandparents, Ric and Viola Manalo.

Joe is also survived by his father Jose Luis Buktaw, his spouse Brenda, and his mother, Chona Preston.

Our faith is strong, and we are assured that our beloved Joseph is now welcomed, with love and open arms, into our Lord’s Kingdom.

ALL of us LOVE you so very much, Joseph Louis.