Federico T. Tecson

He was funny, loving, protective, and fearless, with an incredible amount of strength and endurance. He could fix anything and could make a friend anywhere he went. He is survived by his devoted wife, Leonora; daughters: Sheila, Elinore (Patrick), and Imelda (Justin); grandchildren: Elena, Oliver, Penelope, and George; brother, Teofilo Jr.; and sister, Dolly; and numerous loving nephews and nieces.

He was born on February 8, 1936, in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines to Trinidad and Teofilo Tecson, Sr. He graduated from St. Joseph’s High School. As part of its alumni, he founded and was elected president of its premier fraternity, “The Saints.” He had a great passion for music and played the alto saxophone at San Beda College & Feati University and graduated from the Philippine Maritime Institute with an Associate’s Degree in Maritime Science. He then worked for the San Jose City Bureau of Public Highways, enacting projects for roadways and bridges throughout his hometown.

He met his beloved wife of over 53 years, Leonora, in their hometown while she was working as a registered nurse for the city. They married on December 3, 1971, and began their life together in the United States when Leonora was offered a spot working for St. Mary’s Hospital in Russellville, Arkansas. Their eldest daughter, Sheila, was welcomed in 1976 followed by Elinore in 1979.

In Russellville, he finished welding school and was offered a lucrative job in Houston, Texas with the Drummond Oil Company where he worked until the great Oil Crash of 1982. The family then moved to West Houston where they welcomed their youngest daughter, Imelda (Amy), in 1985. He then worked for Westbury Hospital for nearly 15 years then retired with Bayshore Hospital as a plant operations engineer. He was a member of the Masonic Solidarity Lodge #1457 for nearly 30 years, having been Worshipful Master in 2010 and developed lasting friendships and brotherhood. His greatest joy was being the devoted husband of Leonora and an exceedingly proud father of his daughters: Sheila, a primary care physician at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, Elinore, Assistant General Counsel for The Texas A&M University System, and Imelda, a professional violist.

He also relished in the role as “Lolo” to his four grandchildren: Elena, Oliver, Penelope, and George, always having a piece of chocolate hidden in his pockets for them.

Finally, he was an avid fan of musicals, particularly favoring Rodgers and Hammerstein's masterpieces:

"When you walk through a storm

Hold your head up high

And don't be afraid of the dark.

At the end of a storm

Is a golden sky

And the sweet, silver song of a lark.

Walk on, through the wind,

Walk on, through the rain,

Though your dreams be tossed and blown.

Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart,

And you'll never walk alone,

You'll never walk alone."

- From the musical, Carousel