Leo Manding Fontanilla's Obituary
Leo Manding Fontanilla Obituary
Our beloved husband, dad, lolo, uncle, brother, and cousin, Leo Fontanilla, passed away on February 23, 2024.
Leonsito, often referred to as “Junior” being named after his father Leon, was born on April 13, 1954 in Barangay Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte. He was born the youngest of 12 siblings, always joking about being the 13th child delivered on the 13th. Growing up, he was proclaimed by many for his astuteness. He was a master of numbers and a jack-of-all-trades. Leonsito originally pursued to continue his education in engineering, but the opportunity came for him to migrate to America. His journey started in San Francisco in 1973. A few months later, he settled in Hawaii. Here, he landed his first job in custodial services at Kuakini Hospital. Eventually, he moved to Los Angeles, California, where he started his career as a warehouse associate at Thrifty and changed his name to Leo. Years after that, he moved back to Hawaii with Perlita and provided for his family as a truck driver at Dustex. He later transitioned to work as a farmer at Aloun Farms where he retired. Following retirement, he remained a nurturer of agriculture with a very green thumb (having learned these skill back home in the Philippines). In addition to his many trades, he was also a great cook, with his specialty being his Chicken Adobo (Ilocano style) and Pinapaitan. Leo was a family man, known as a big talker with a deep voice. He was a natural joker, friend to many including strangers, and always lightened the mood with his easy-going personality. He enjoyed watching movies at the movie theater and loved blasting all genres of music. Leo will be forever loved and missed by his wife, all six children, his grandchildren, along with his many relatives and friends.
Wake service will be held on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Mililani Mortuary Mauka Chapel. Visitation begins at 5:30 pm and service at 6:30 pm.
Funeral Mass service will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at St. Joseph Church, Waipahu. Visitation begins at 10:00 am and service at 11:00 am. Burial to follow 12:30 pm at Mililani Memorial Park Cemetery.
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