Jorge Fuentes

Jorge was born in Iloilo, Philippines to Jose Balderas Fuentes. and Betina Franco Santiago. He was the only son and third oldest of his seven siblings. His sisters from eldest to youngest are Elnora (Nora), Elma, Elena (Len), Eloisa (Moret), Elvira (Elvie), and Elsie.

Jorge grew up in San Sebastian, Bacolod, Philippines until he pursued his career in Electrical Engineering. He first received an Electrical Technology Certificate at the Negros Occidental School of Arts in 1960. Shortly, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Mapua Institute of Technology in Manila, Philippines in 1965. After graduating from college, Jorge moved to the United States to pursue his career. His first stop was in Seattle, Washington in 1968 where he began his work in the Aerospace industry. He took his first job at Boeing Aircraft Company (Boeing) where he worked until 1970, then made the relocation to Los Angeles working for Turpin & Rattan Consulting Electrical Engineers firm until 1974. He then spent the rest of his engineering career working at Bechtel Power Corporation, Boeing, and McDonnell Douglas Aircraft (MDA). Some of his projects included implementing components such as black boxes into the MDA/Boeing airplanes, such as the MD-95 and MD-90. Jorge formally retired from electrical engineering in 1996 to self employ in his investment club. Jorge learned to grow his estate with investments in the stock market. He founded the Yorba Linda Investment Club in March of 1990 as a foundation to collaborate investment knowledge with friends and peers. He served as a presiding and financial partner until 2002.

In 1970, Jorge met his future wife, Gecila while living in Seattle. Upon relocating to Los Angeles, Jorge and Gecie kept in touch and started dating. They were married on September 25, 1971 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Los Angeles and settled in La Palma. They relocated to their residence in Yorba Linda in 1980. Jorge was blessed with twin children, Jenn and Joe, and a proud grandfather to two grandkids, Brayden (15) and Samantha (12).

Jorge had several hobbies and interests that included cooking, sports, traveling, ballroom dancing,and being very active in the Catholic community. His favorite sport was golf, which he played actively for many years with friends and colleagues. He served with pride in the catholic community, serving several prominent roles including Executive Chairperson for the Filipino Community of the Diocese of Orange Capital Campaign Organization and President of the Federation of Filipino Rosary Groups. Jorge’s devotion for Christ was evident throughout his life and was loved and respected by peers, friends, and family. He spread his joy and blessings with all around him.

May he rest in eternal peace.