Antonio Gatchalian Santa Maria Jr.

February 8, 1950 - December 22, 2020

Heaven saw fit to accept another angel into its gates on December 22, 2020. Antonio Gatchalian Santa Maria Jr. passed away at the age of 70 in Porterville, CA.

Born on February 8, 1950 to parents Consuelo Dulay Gatchalian Hudson and Antonio Jardio Santa Maria Sr., Antonio was known as “Tony” to his friends and nicknamed “Boy” by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his father passed in July of 1995 and his mother passed just a few months ago in October of 2020.

Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Antonio attended FEATI University (Far East Aeronautical Training Institute), majoring in Engineering and Airplane Maintenance. He emigrated to the United States in 1970 from the Philippines as a college senior at the urging of his grandmother after political unrest in the Philippines began to endanger his life. (A molotov cocktail was thrown into his classroom due to ongoing protests to military occupation.)

After his arrival in the United States, he quickly joined agriculture labor camps as a means of making money. Later, he became a supervisor in Arvin, CA working with grapes. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1978, got married, and had his son, Michael Eugene Santa Maria. Later, he dissolved his marriage and was hired at the California Department of Agriculture, as a field technician, inspecting citrus farms for research. He worked with them for ten years until he retired. And even after retirement, he was hired on as a third-party consultant due to his experience in the field.

There were many elements in Antonio’s life that made him happy: his existence was heavily rooted in his faith and he served as deacon for his Presbyterian Church in Porterville, CA. He loved to garden and work on landscaping, and he was especially good at carpentry. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with his son, as well as taking care of his mother and developmentally disabled brother, having BBQs with his family, laughing over memories during the holidays, and being able to relax and enjoy his quiet time at home.

His family meant a lot to him and would take any opportunity to spend time with his son; whether they were traveling, having dinner, camping or road tripping, he’d jump at the opportunity and enjoy every minute of it. He was a caring, empathetic soul and he was able to relate to many difficult situations due to his sometimes tumultuous and intense upbringing. He was trusting and saw the good in people always.

Antonio was survived by his son, Michael Eugene Santa Maria (Annette) and his six siblings: Aletha (Roger), Bella (Ed), Sha (Jerry), Art, Amy (Floyd), and Angie (Doug). Additionally, he is survived by Jose Gatchalian (uncle), Adenlina Avendaño (aunt), Ernesto Santa Maria (uncle), Pilar Reyes (aunt), Magdalena Subido (aunt), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in both Hanford and the Philippines.

Antonio was a loving father, a husband, a brother, an uncle, a nephew, a cousin, a deacon, a carpenter, a guitar player, a fisherman and a lover of country music. He lived a life loving his family and was always there to care for family members in need or provide support whenever possible. He left our world abruptly, but we’re comforted knowing he’s gone home to his Lord. He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends and his colleagues.

A graveside service is scheduled for Thursday, February 4th at 1:00PM at Calvary Cemetery in Hanford, CA. Social distancing guidelines will be followed; please wear a mask if attendance is planned.

In lieu of donations to the family, please direct any donations to Foothill Presbyterian Church PO Box 50, Porterville, CA 93258.