In Loving Memory of John Richard Macatlang November 24, 2002 – May 24, 2026

With hearts shattered beyond words, we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, family member, and friend, John Richard Macatlang, who passed away on May 24, 2026, at the age of 23.

John was born on November 24, 2002, in Glendale, California, and grew up in Eagle Rock, California. From the very beginning, he brought light, laughter, and joy into the lives of everyone around him. He had a smile that could brighten the darkest day and a personality that was impossible to forget.

To know John was to love him.

He was silly, goofy, and full of life. He could make anyone laugh with his jokes, his playful spirit, and his ability to find fun in even the simplest moments. He was the kind of person who never hesitated to help others and rarely complained, no matter what was asked of him. He faced life with kindness, humility, and a quiet strength that inspired everyone who knew him.

John was hardworking, intelligent, resilient, and brave. He graduated from high school with scholarships and excelled both in the classroom and on the tennis court. As a member of the varsity tennis team, he demonstrated leadership, dedication, and sportsmanship. He later attended San Francisco State University, where he pursued a degree in Accounting and worked toward building a bright future. He was on track to graduate with a 3.5 GPA and had already begun taking steps toward a successful career.

Then came a battle he never should have had to fight.

In the fall of 2024, John was diagnosed with cancer. Despite the fear, uncertainty, and challenges that followed, he faced every surgery, treatment, and setback with remarkable courage. He endured more than most people experience in a lifetime, yet he continued to move forward with hope, determination, and grace. Even after surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, he kept dreaming about his future. He was accepted to California State University, Northridge, where he planned to continue his education and complete his degree. Tragically, cancer returned before he had the chance to begin that chapter.

While cancer became part of his story, it never defined him.

John was a young man who loved life. He loved playing video games, watching movies and television shows, playing tennis, cheering on basketball teams, sharing good meals, singing karaoke, and spending time with the people he cared about most. He embraced adventure, followed his own path, and lived authentically. He did what made him happy and encouraged others to do the same.

Above all else, John loved and was deeply loved.

He is survived by his devoted parents, Agnes and Richard Macatlang, and his loving siblings, Jenes Macatlang, Anne Nicole Macatlang, and Anjel Macatlang. He also leaves behind countless relatives, friends, classmates, teammates, and loved ones whose lives are forever changed because they had the privilege of knowing him.

The loss of John leaves an emptiness that can never truly be filled. There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone so young, so vibrant, and so deeply loved. We mourn the memories we will never get to make, the milestones he deserved to reach, and the future that was taken far too soon.

Yet even in our grief, we are grateful.

We are grateful for his laughter, his kindness, his courage, and the countless moments he shared with us. We are grateful for every memory, every smile, every joke, every conversation, and every day we were blessed to have him in our lives.

Though John is no longer physically with us, his love remains. His spirit lives on in the hearts of his family and friends, in the stories we tell, in the lessons he taught us, and in the love he gave so freely.

We will miss him every day for the rest of our lives.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our John.

You fought with courage, lived with heart, and loved without limits. We will carry you with us always.