Ernesto Zarris Arceo, 81, a resident of Richmond, Texas, passed away on August 8, 2026. He was born on September 8, 1944 in Caloocan City, Philippines to Faustino Arceo and Amada Arceo. He was a graduate of Far Eastern University in Manila where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology.
Ernesto devoted twenty-five years of service to the Western Police District in Manila before immigrating to the United States, where he continued a life of service as a Health Inspector with the New York City Department of Health. During that time, he also worked as a Medical Technologist at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. A committed member of his community, Ernesto belonged to the Houston Beltway Lions’ Club and served as its president in 2015. He was also a member of the Knights of Rizal Houston Chapter.
Ernesto believed that love and unity were the foundation of a strong family. Together with his beloved wife, Placida, he raised his children while instilling in them this enduring belief. He placed great value on education and never stopped learning, continually seeking knowledge through reading and attending seminars throughout his life.
Music brought Ernesto great joy, and he loved to sing and play the guitar. He treasured time spent with Placida, and the two of them delighted in dining out together, with hotpot restaurants being his favorite of all. On family vacations, Ernesto embraced every new experience and was always willing to try anything at least once, especially when his grandchildren encouraged him to do so.
Ernesto was preceded in death by his brother, Eduardo, daughter, Janice Christine, and grandson, Jeremy.
He is survived by his loving wife, Placida Mercedes Arceo; his children, Maria Theresa Mangahis and her husband Gilbert, Joy Victor and his wife Grace, Alexis Arceo and his wife Mary May, and Rosedel Shalimar Barrett and her husband Charles; his grandchildren, Margie Therese Hernandez and her husband Jorge, Margaret Anne Lam and her husband Calvin, Marc Gilbert Mangahis and his fiancée Carina Pilor, Andrew John, Kirstyn, and Leonidas Arceo; and his great-grandchildren, Carmelo and Leilani Hernandez, and Caden, Mia, and Chloe Lam. He is also survived by his siblings, Marcelina Sto. Tomas, Danilo,
Rolando, and Cynthia, along with a host of extended family and friends who will hold his memory close.
