Celso Santos Antonio - Obituary

n Monday, May 18, 2020, Celso S. Antonio, loving husband and father of three children, passed away at age 77. Celso was born in Marilao, Bulacan, Philippines to Isidro and Emilia Antonio. In July 1964, he joined the United States Navy and proudly served for 24 years. In 1988, he retired with honor as a Chief. In July 1967, he married the love of his life, Matilde Garzon Antonio. Together, they raised three children: Christine, Edgard and Lenore. Of his many duty stations during his Navy career, he was most proud of working as part of the White House advance detail team under Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. After retiring from the Navy, he worked as a civilian with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and retired in December 2006. Over the years, Celso stayed very active in the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), the Ilocano Society of America (ISA), Zambaleneos Inc. and the Medical Mission of Mercy. Celso was preceded in death by his father, Isidro, and his mother, Emilia. He is survived by his loving wife, Matilde; daughter Christine and her husband Dwayne; son Edgard and his wife Rose; daughter Lenore and husband Allan; grandsons Courtney, Ray, Matthew, Andrew, and Evan; his siblings Oscar, Romeo, Efren, Mario, Maria, Flor, Lilian and Josephine; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.