Mr. Recto Fontecha Sawi

Recto Fontecha Sawi Sr., 86, passed away peacefully on the morning of February 17, 2026, following a courageous and lengthy battle with complications from dementia. During his final days, Recto was surrounded by the love and support of his devoted family and caregivers.

Recto was born on April 19, 1939, in San Felipe, Zambales, Philippines, to Generoso Sawi and Martina Cueva Fontecha Sawi. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Evelyn Sawi Richmond and Erlinda Sawi; and his brother, Rodolfo Sawi.

Recto graduated from the University of the East with a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering. His passion for education and electronics led him abroad to teach in Kaduna, Nigeria, Africa, at the Kaduna Polytechnic Institute of Technology for several years. He later obtained a work visa and continued his teaching career in the United States before becoming an Electronics Technician for Norfolk Public Schools, where he faithfully served for more than 18 years until his retirement.

Recto’s greatest passions were his devotion to his faith, family, teaching, and music. He loved the timeless songs of Traditional Ilocano, Country, and Hymnal Music. Known for his charisma and warm presence, Recto was often described as having “tantalizing eyes” — the very eyes that captured the heart of his beloved wife, Gertrudes Febrero Sawi, with whom he shared 64 beautiful years of marriage.

Recto leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 64 years, Gertrudes Febrero Sawi; their seven children: Recto Sawi Jr., Edna Sawi Conry, Catherine Sawi Hebron, George Sawi, Juliet Sawi, Anthony Sawi, and Virginia Sawi Tennial; his siblings: Luis Sawi, Cesario Sawi, Ligaya Sawi, and Celia Sawi Laguna; a host of cousins and relatives in the United States, Canada, and the Philippines; and many dear friends. He also leaves a treasured legacy of 13 grandchildren and seven — soon to be eight — great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church.

Committal will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502, on March 20, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm.

Final resting place is Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6309 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502.