Marcelo Mallabo Relos Sr.

With profound love and gratitude, our family announces the peaceful passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband, and patriarch, Marcelo Mallabo Relos, Sr., on January 14, 2026, at the age of 87. He was surrounded by the family he devoted his entire life to loving, protecting, and uniting.

Marcelo was born on September 4, 1938, in Malanao, Lal-lo, Cagayan, Philippines, to Maximo Dupaya Relos and Leonora Dorado Mallabo. As the eldest of fourteen children, he naturally stepped into a role of leadership early in life—one marked by responsibility, selflessness, and deep devotion to family. These qualities would define him for the rest of his life.

At the center of Marcelo’s world was his beloved wife of 67 years, Josefina Relos, his partner in every sense and the foundation of the family they built together. He was a proud and loving father to Jesusa, married to George Morales; Marcelo Jr. married to Aura Relos; Gina married to Erwin Nazareno; Erwin married to Maria Relos; and Jomar Relos. His joy multiplied through his 18 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, each of whom knew him as a source of unconditional love, laughter, guidance, and pride. He is also survived by seven siblings and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Marcelo pursued his education in Manila at Mapúa Institute of Technology and Far Eastern University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Over nearly 50 years, he built a career focused on highways, bridges, and transportation, demonstrating a strong work ethic, precision, and a commitment to public service. His professional journey took him across the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and eventually to the United States in 1986.

After settling in Santa Clara, California, he worked with Caltrans and private contractors as a Project Engineer and Inspector. He contributed to significant infrastructure projects, including improvements to Highway 101, the overpass at San Francisco International Airport, and seismic retrofits of bridges on Highway 1. Marcelo took immense pride in his work, which enhanced safety and served the greater community.

Yet, as accomplished as he was professionally, Marcelo’s greatest legacy was his family. He made countless sacrifices to ensure his children were close, united, and grounded in love and respect. Family gatherings were his greatest joy, and he was always the life of the party—singing, dancing, laughing, and cooking his beloved Filipino dishes. He had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome, valued, and at home.

Marcelo was known for his impeccable sense of style, warm charisma, and happy-go-lucky spirit. He made friends wherever he went and left lasting impressions on everyone he met. A devoted Golden State Warriors fan, he followed every game with enthusiasm, carefully keeping track of their schedule. Visits to the Philippines were especially meaningful to him, as they allowed him to reconnect with cousins and extended family whom he held close to his heart.

After retiring in 1998, Marcelo fully embraced life—traveling, celebrating milestones, and spending treasured time with his family. In his final years, he led a quieter life but with deep contentment and fulfillment. He took pride in watching his children raise families of their own, celebrating his grandchildren’s achievements, and witnessing the growth of his great-grandchildren.

Marcelo’s life was one of love, sacrifice, joy, and unwavering devotion to family. He was the glue that held generations together, and his legacy will live on in the strong, loving family he built. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him