On January 10, 2022, at the age of 93, Francisco P. Catalan made the journey to his forever home in heaven, where his loving wife and son awaited him. We, his family, mourn our loss but rejoice that he is reunited with loved ones in eternal peace and joy in Our Lord's kingdom. Francisco, or Frank, was born in Manila, Philippines, the second child and first son in a family of 9 children. As the eldest son growing up in a war-torn country during WWII, he helped his family survive, which taught him to be responsible, resourceful, resilient and tough.
Smart and confident, he received a degree in mechanical engineering and worked for Philippine Airlines flight operations. He met, courted and married the love of his life, Dr. Angelita Catalan, and started a family that grew to 5 children.
Always forward-thinking, he strived to provide his family with the best opportunities. It was for this reason that in 1970, he accepted a position in Honolulu and relocated his family to Hawai`i. He worked for Philippine Airlines as the assistant manager of Honolulu flight operations until his retirement.
He had a keen sense of humor and a clever wit and he tried very hard to get those to work at the same time. He was a wicked chess player and in earlier years, could be found engrossed in a chess game by Waikiki beach, instead of attending Sunday Mass with the rest of the family at a nearby church. He also loved his trips to Las Vegas where he honed his dice rolling skills at the craps table.
As a Dad and Papa, he was loving, protective, strong, generous, encouraging and supportive. He had strength of character and integrity. He was a driving force and a role model. To all who knew him, he was kind, warm, thoughtful, welcoming and inclusive. He made you feel special and unique. He was a man for all seasons and he will live in our hearts always.
Frank was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Angelita, and son, Rene Cyril. He is survived by daughters Heidi Catalan (David Nettles) of Texas, Stella, son Ariel (Daisy), daughter Yasmin (Chad) Nakamura, daughter-in-law Jeanne, 8 grandchildren (Noelle Catalan-Kim (Peter Kim), Justin, Devon, Adrian, Alec, Andrew, Antoni, and Shane Nakamura), and 2 great-grandchildren (Noah and Aria Kim). He is also survived by brother Jose of New Jersey, sister Lucinda Mercado of New York, and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. He had a special place in his heart for the faithful but thieving mutt, Jax, who would still get a belly rub from his Papa despite occasionally pilfering his socks or borrowing his beanie.
Due to COVID-19, the funeral service will be private. We extend our heartfelt aloha and mahalo to all who enriched our father's life and offered expressions of sympathy and comfort, kind thoughts, gestures and prayers. Thank you for embracing him and us into your Ohana. We are forever grateful.
