Claro Baltazar Ulanday

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Claro B. Ulanday, who left us on January 19, 2025, at the age of 74. A beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Claro was a man who filled every room with warmth, laughter, and an undeniable zest for life.

Born on December 8, 1950, in San Fabian, Pangasinan, Philippines, Claro was one of two—a twin brother to Quintin Ulanday. His childhood in the Philippines was filled with the love of family and the strong values that would shape the remarkable man he became.

Claro was a man of dedication and service. After serving four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Enterprise, he built a fulfilling career with the United States Postal Service, where he worked tirelessly for 30 years. His commitment to both his country and his work reflected his strong sense of duty and perseverance.

Outside of his professional life, Claro had an adventurous spirit and a heart full of music. He loved traveling, always seeking new experiences and embracing different cultures. A natural entertainer, he had a passion for karaoke, always ready with a microphone in hand and a song in his heart.

Claro was the life of the party, a man who could light up any gathering with his quick wit, hilarious one-liners, and infectious energy. Whether cracking jokes or delivering a perfectly timed punchline, he had an unmatched ability to bring smiles to those around him.

One of his greatest joys was dancing, and no celebration was complete without him on the dance floor, especially when “Todo Todo” played—his signature song. As the President of SAFASCA (San Fabian Association of Southern California) and FIL-AM (Filipino American Association of Moreno Valley) he was a leader in his community, bringing people together with his warmth and generosity.

Claro’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. He especially loved his seven grandchildren and wanted nothing more but to see them grow up. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the countless memories he created with those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Though he has left this world, his voice, his laughter, and his love will echo in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, Claro—may you sing, dance, and joke your way through eternity.

“The Fight”

In April 2024, on a regular family visit to Las Vegas to see his grandson, Miles, Claro suffered a heart attack while on a walk to the park with his wife, Tessie. He was immediately admitted to the hospital, where he received multiple stents in his heart. In addition to the stents, doctors learned of an occluded artery in his leg which required another immediate surgery. As a result, he ended up being in the Las Vegas hospital for almost 2 months where he continued to battle a road to recovery. He was then discharged after showing signs of improvement. A few days after discharge, Claro unfortunately returned to the Las Vegas hospital to address complications with an ulcer and internal bleeding. After another month, Claro worked tirelessly to stabilize his health, successfully being discharged from the hospital and returned back home to California. It was evident that the long term hospital stay took a toll on Claro’s body and he was not yet 100%, nonetheless he persevered and continued routine medical follow-ups to maintain his health and mobility finishing the year with what would seem an optimal road to a healthier new year.

The tide would turn once more at the start of 2025, Claro had a routine doctor’s appointment and learned of blood clots in his right leg causing him pain. This had led him to another surgery with hopes to remove the clots. Unfortunately, the surgery was not successful which weakened his heart and kidneys resulting in him not being able to sustain any further surgeries. On January 5th, the family learned that Claro’s time was now limited with doctors projecting no more than 72 hours left of life. Claro and his family made the decision to fight and extend his time on earth for his family and grandkids with the last ounces of his strength. By God’s Grace, Claro survived the 72 hour anticipation, remaining completely stable and alert. The family was blessed with a small miracle with a safe discharge back home, where he would manage hospice and spend his final two weeks in the presence and comfort of his wife, children and their families.

…Till we meet again.