Without my Tito Toti, I wouldn't exist.

He was the first of his siblings to move from the heat of Manila to Michigan, all for the love of a beautiful and brilliant woman: my Tita Ella. He got a job in the auto industry, where he grew close to his boss -- a boss he would later introduce to his younger sister.

There's a letter from my Lolo Aciong to my father thanking him for being a good "super boss" to my Tito Toti. Even after my parents divorced and Tito Toti no longer worked with my father, they remained friends. Tito Toti insisted "Gene-o" still come to family parties.

Tito Toti often picked me up from school. Sometimes, he'd let me help him with the bottle return, always letting me keep the money. He incentivized getting good grades, giving me money for As on my report card. Some of my favorite memories growing up are of family trips to Windsor. He'd call our house saying "Let's get dim sum," and we'd pile into the van and head across the Detroit River.

When my dad got sick, Tito Toti was there, visiting his old friend at the hospital and keeping his spirits up. And when Dad died in ICU in the middle of the night, the day before he was to be moved to hospice care, Tita Ella was there, holding his hand, making sure he wasn't alone. When funeral costs were prohibitive, they helped out. And when I graduated from high school a year later, they made sure I had a graduation party. 

Even in my twenties, Tito Toti would slip me some money whenever I came over. When I brought my best friend over for Christmas one year with only one day's notice, Tito Toti and Tita Ella made sure he had a present waiting for him. Even after I moved out of state, they made sure to send a Christmas gift every year.

I'll always remember Tito Toti when I hear The Beatles or La Bamba, when I honk my horn to the rhythm of Jingle Bells, when I eat dim sum or straighten a rug or smell a steak cooking on a grill. Until we meet again, Tito. Mahal kita.

My deepest sympathy 
May God help you in your sorrow
I know Toti thru my husband Danny Tuazon They comfort each other comparing about their breathing and illness  , They have the same Doctor
They will meet again Danny is waiting for his friend up there Fairwell Toti God loves You🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😘

My sincere condolences to all of the family. Tito was always so kind and generous, and always quick with a laugh or joke. I'll miss his messages and his check ups on how we're doing down here in Texas. 

With gladness in my heart that I met and got to know him,
   Arturo Ramirez

Our Beloved Cousin Toti- though you are gone, the happy memories of our togetherness will always be cherished. We will miss you and will never forget your kindness and the love you gave us. Goodbye for now! Vic and Rina

Ella and family,
   I’m so very sorry to hear of your husbands passing my friend. Know that I am keeping you in my heart and in my prayers at this very sad time. Sending you my love.

My heart is heartbroken with the news of your passing ninong. You are such a good ninong to me, you are all ears for me all the time. I will miss you ninong. Thank you for your friendship with daddy Claro.

Rest now ninong. I love you.

To Ninang Ella and Family, we extend our deepest sympathies.

Love, Diane Recto and Kids

One of the nicest people you would ever meet.  I was a team leader with him in the early years.  So sorry for the families loss.

Jr Cotter

Uncle Toti was such a great person. So close to our family. I remember all the memories of bowling and all the Filipino gatherings growing up . He was such a great pare to my dad. My parents would always say pare Toti. He always commented on my facebook posts and send me reels.  Our prayers and condolences sent out to all the family and friends. Rest easy Uncle! We love you!

My deepest sympathy to you Ella and to the entire family, strength, and courage and comfort knowing that God is a merciful and loving God, Mother Mary, the sorrowful Mother is your support.We recommend the soul of Francisco to our merciful God, may the soul of Francisco rest in peace.

OBITUARY

Francisco David Liwag

June 16, 1949 – June 25, 2025

Harry J Will Funeral Homes

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services