Arturo Cunanan Ongoco

Arturo Cunanan Ongoco passed away unexpectedly in Hackensack, NJ on June 26, 2023, one day before his 79 th birthday. Arturo is survived by his loving wife, Carmelita, and their children Jason, Adrian, Maria (Brett), and Angela (Joe). His grandchildren Maddie, Logan, Lili, Tala, and Arthur brought immense joy to his life. He is also survived by his siblings Oscar, Alice, Edgardo and Julie, as well as numerous Diaz and Ongoco nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Lina and brother Silvestre.

Arturo was born and raised in Abucay, Bataan, Philippines. He studied Mechanical Engineering at Mapua Institute of Technology in Metro Manila, Philippines. He served in the Philippine Navy for 12 years, gathering military intelligence and ranked as Lieutenant Junior Grade. He married his wife in 1974 in Quezon City, Philippines in a naval wedding. While in the Philippines he had three children: Jason (1975), Adrian (1977) and Maria (1981). In 1982, he emigrated to New Jersey with his wife and three children. Starting out in a new country in his late 30s was difficult, but he persevered. His first jobs in America were as a as a janitor and a gas pump attendant. In 1984, he had his fourth child Angela. He eventually found technician jobs and worked at Power Conversion, Howmedica Pfizer, Engelhard-CLAL, and GlaxoSmithKline.

He is a long-time resident of Lyndhurst, NJ where he has lived since 1988. He is a well-known character throughout the community, especially with the bank tellers at Kearny Federal; the pharm techs at Walgreens; the restaurant workers at Villa Italia; the empanada makers at Cuban Sandwich King; and the front desk staff at Pink Vision Optometry. He enjoyed playing the guitar, singing/yodeling, dancing, bowling, and fishing. He loved to share these interests with his family and friends, creating countless memories filled with laughter, joy, and love. His ability to connect with people was truly remarkable, and he had the rare gift of making everyone around him feel special and valued. He had an early birthday party two days before his death and danced his with grandkids. He was loved deeply and will be sorely missed. Funeral Wednesday, July 5th, 9:30-10:30AM at the Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home, 425 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst followed by a service at East Ridgelawn Crematory at 11AM. Friends will be received Monday, July 3rd, 4-8PM at the Funeral Home.