Santos Malig Coronel

Santos was born on November 1, 1931, Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day), to Gaudencio and Marcela Coronel in Betis, Pampanga, Philippines. He attended the University of Santo Tomas in Manila where he completed his bachelor’s degree in architecture but also studied music composition. After an established career as an architect in the Philippines, he immigrated to the United States, arriving in Los Angeles, California on June 7, 1970.

In 1975, Santos married Corazon, and they had two children: Stephanie and Sharleen. He spent much of his career in the U.S. in the Engineering and Construction industry. Beginning in 1984, his company moved the family from the Los Angeles area to Augusta, Georgia, Huntsville, Alabama and Houston, Texas. Initially thinking the relocations were temporary, the family spent their summer vacations exploring the East Coast and Southeastern region of the U.S. However, after five years of relocating, Houston became home.

In retirement, Santos obtained his real estate license and assisted the family with various home sales and purchases. He played tennis at his neighborhood court into his 80s. He also traveled with Cora to Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, China, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, and many countries in Europe. As a lifelong learner, he had a vast collection of books that were heavily notated, underlined and highlighted on topics that included music, foreign languages, movies, religion and sports. He also had a passion for teaching all that he learned to others, especially his daughters and grandkids.

Santos had a perpetual love for music. He played the saxophone and conducted Band 46 in the Philippines. For many years, music was at the center of many family activities from his daughters’ piano lessons and competitions to band rehearsals and performances to living room performances by the grandkids.

Santos died peacefully of pneumonia on September 13, 2026 in Katy, Texas. He was 94. He was preceded in death by parents Marcela and Gaudencio Coronel; sister Dominga; and brothers Gerardo, Vicente, and Rodolfo. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Corazon Coronel; children: Stephanie Coronel-Mockler (James), and Sharleen Idea (James); and grandchildren: Avery and Jonathan.