Domingo S. Sunga

Domingo S. Sunga
September 25, 1931 – August 23, 2013

Parents: Ariston Sunga, Hilaria Sunga
Born: September 25, 1931; Masantol, Pampanga, Philippines
Spouse: Conchita Q. Sunga
Children: Ellen Sierra, Gerardo Sunga, Froilan Sunga, Anna Leah Domin
Joselito Sunga (deceased)


Domingo Sunga, 82, passed away Friday, August 23, 2013 in Van Nuys, CA.

Domingo was born September 25, 1931 in Masantol, Pampanga, Philippines to Ariston and Hilaria Sunga. He received a pre-med degree at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila. Later, he studied dentistry at the University of the East, Manila and graduated in 1960. On July 20, 1959, he married Conchita S. Quiano, a school teacher, in Quezon City, Philippines.

Domingo was a dedicated dentist for 33 years. He began working at Quezon City General Hospital on April 5, 1960 and enjoyed working there until his retirement in 1993. His patients remember his excellent skills in providing dental care. He was often described as having "very light hands," and his tooth extraction skills were described as relatively "quick and painless." These descriptions are reminiscent of Muhammad Ali's own boxing mantra: "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee."

He was very sociable and friendly. Most people found him easy to talk to, and he would often joyfully and expressively banter with people he just met.

He was a very responsible father and a good provider. He often denied himself simple luxuries, like new clothes and going to restaurants, so he could save enough to send his children to school.

He was a strict disciplinarian to his children, making sure that his kids understood that there are consequences for all actions, good and bad.

He was a very religious person and made it a point to go to church every Sunday when his health allowed.

He was a very good man - not only to his family, but also to his wife's extended family. He supported and allowed his wife's several siblings, nephews, and nieces to live with them for long periods of time.

Domingo is survived by his wife, Conchita Sunga; children – Ellen Sierra, Gerardo Sunga, Froilan Sunga and Anna Leah Domin; sons- and daughter-in-law – Sam Sierra, Robert Domin and Madel Sunga; 11 grandchildren – Nicole, Monique, Alex, Gerard, Gemalene, Gerome, Gabby, AJ, Kurt, Bobby and Tristan; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ariston and Hilaria, his six brothers and a sister, and his son Joselito, all of whom he now joins in heaven.