Gregorio Duldulao Garcia

Greg was born in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. He was the third of six children of Isidoro and Pilar Garcia. His father, who was a school supervisor, died while he was still young. His mother had to work hard to single-handedly support and raise him and his siblings. It was with the Lord’s mercy that in due time they were able to settle in Piddig, Ilocos Norte.

He graduated as a high school valedictorian and received a scholarship from the Mapua Institute of Technology in Manila, where he studied civil engineering.

His college education was interrupted by World War II, where he served in the United States Army Forces in the Philippines – Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL) 15th Infantry Regiment.

After the war, he met the love of his life. While he was working on a project in Upi, Cotabato, the barrio captain invited him and his coworkers to his house for dinner. It was there that he met the captain’s daughter, Rose. Their courtship started soon after.

The couple got married in Cotabato and then relocated to Quezon City, Metro Manila where all their seven children were raised and educated.

Greg’s involvement in his children’s school life had been marked with many years as the elementary school’s PTA president. When the four youngest children were still in elementary school, Greg formed a school rondalla, comprised of around 35 kids from different grades. He took it upon himself to find a music teacher for the kids to play various musical instruments. Three of his kids were members of the rondalla. Jane played the octavina, Bong played the guitar, and Franz played the drums and became the cutest band conductor in town. Band practices were at the Garcia’s living room. The rondalla excelled in their music and they were soon invited to various community events and programs, some were even locally televised.

Greg was also involved in the establishment of the neighborhood credit cooperative, Paltok (SFM) Credit Cooperative. He served as a director for many years.

In 1992, Greg and Rose relocated to the United States; he then took his oath as an American citizen through a veterans initiative. The rest of the family (except the eldest and the youngest, who were already in the States) were petitioned but had to wait for around 20 years to come to the United States.

While living in Seattle, Greg and Rose have been active members of various organizations within the Filipino community. They were highly involved with the International Drop-In Center (IDIC) and the IDIC Young Once. Greg was also the commander of the Filipino War Veterans of Washington. He was also a founding member and charter president of the Seattle Mabuhay Lions Club. In 2003, Greg and Rose were selected as Parents of the Year by the Filipino Community of Seattle.

In 2014, Greg and Rose were reunited with their remaining children and grandchildren who were living in the Philippines. He spent the following decade surrounded by family, especially his doting grandchildren.

On April 20, 2025, Greg was reunited with his Maker. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Rosita. Greg’s legacy continues through his children: Gigi (Russ Nickel), Ted (Carol), Jane (George Ayagen), Albert (Lenny), Francis (Beng), and Reniel (Dia). He is very proud of his grandchildren: Kristine, Karlo, Kevin, Kate, Krisha, Keila and Kamille, and Samantha. He has one great grandchild, Keijan. He was preceded in death by one of his sons, Greg Jr.

A few of his favorite Bible verses were Isaiah 46:4- “I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.”, and Psalms 71:18 – “Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”

His family will miss his intellect, his quiet countenance, his pioneering spirit, his love and kindness.