With heavy hearts, the Teston family announces the passing of our beloved father, Engr. Pio Arcilla Teston, whose life was defined by love, faith, and unwavering devotion to his family. He passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on January 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Pio was the fourth-born son in a family of seven children, born on October 15, 1933, in Baras, Catanduanes, Philippines, to former Mayor Pedro and Mrs. Conception Teston. He dedicated his life to building—not only the physical infrastructure of his community but a lasting foundation for his family. A graduate of Far Eastern University (FEU) in Manila, Philippines with a degree in Civil Engineering, he spent nearly 40 years as a respected professional. In addition to his leadership role in the community, he was known for his kindness, loyalty, and generosity. Further, his work is also reflected in the design and building of his family home in Quezon City, Philippines.

Beyond his academic and professional achievements, Pio’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He was a loving husband to his wife of 64 years, Isabelita B. Teston and a devoted father. To his children, he was known to be a disciplinarian; firm yet purposeful and always guiding them toward the right path. He instilled in them the values of perseverance, integrity, and hard work, as well as the importance of education, family, and faith in God. He taught them how to be good, strong, and respectful individuals. Although his parenting seemed strict to his children, Pio’s guidance was always rooted in a deep love and desire to prepare them for the challenges of life. His strong leadership at home largely contributed to the academic success and professional achievements of each of his children, who all completed either college, graduate, or doctorate level degrees. Their professional excellence and service to their communities now become a part of Pio's legacy.

In his retirement years, Pio suffered a stroke that brought physical limitations. Despite this, he remained mentally strong and steadfast, continuing to guide his large family with wisdom and encouragement that supported their success. He found joy in simply being present with family and friends, cherishing quality time with his children and grandchildren. He never allowed physical challenges to diminish his love of life. He stayed engaged with the world by keeping up with current events and his favorite television programs. He especially loved traveling with his wife, children, and grandchildren until the very end. Deeply devoted to God and the Catholic faith, Pio’s spirituality sustained him and enabled him to live fully, even with partial paralysis.

Pio was a great provider, leader, and father who led by example, loved deeply, and gave selflessly. His faith, sacrifice, and unconditional love will forever live on in our hearts. Although he is no longer with us, the values and principles he instilled and the love he gave will continue to guide us always. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Juana Teston. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Isabelita Teston of Buena Park, CA and their eight children: Dr. Jay Teston of Bowie, MD; Ms. Maria Luisa Teston of Buena Park, CA; Ms. Jean Teston Romero, LVN, RN of Buena Park, CA; Mr. Pio Teston, Jr., of Buena Park, CA; Mr. Joseph Teston of Bowie, MD; Ms. Jocelyn Teston-May, FNP-BC, of San Diego, CA; Mr. Michael Teston of Upper Marlboro, MD; and Dr. Michelle Teston of Buena Park, CA; 14 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. His legacy remains in the structures he designed and the family he built.

Service Information:

Viewing/Visitation times will be held at Hope Chapel in Forest Lawn Memorial Park @ Cypress, CA on January 14, 2026 at 1PM-9PM and on January 15, 2026 at 2PM-9PM.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Pius V Church @ Buena Park, CA on January 16, 2026 at 12PM -1PM.

Interment will take place immediately following the funeral service at the Garden of Protection in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Cypress, CA.

Remembering Engr. Pio Arcilla Teston (Papa):

“To me, he was the perfect and loving husband.”

- Isabelita (Bell)
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

"When I made a decision that changed the course of my life, I expected resistance. Instead, Papa offered quiet wisdom and trust: “You are an adult now, and I hope you know what you’re doing.” In that moment, he gave me the courage to move forward, become who I was meant to be, and embrace a wider, more beautiful world."

- Jay
Master of Science
Doctor of Education (Educational Leadership)

“I remember Papa taught me the importance of planning ahead, budgeting correctly and properly executing my responsibilities.”

- Marilou
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting

 
“When I was a teenager, my father always told us to wake up early, because if you woke up late, there would be no more left for you. His discipline was a great help in my diligence and pursuit of my dreams.”

- Jean
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Registered Nurse/ Philippines
Licensed Vocational Nurse

"I remember Papa as the quiet strength of our home, a man whose faith and devotion shaped our lives in ways I continue to carry. He was deeply prayerful, leading us in the rosary and bringing us to church every Sunday, showing us that faith is lived through steady, humble actions. Papa was strict yet loving, firm in his principles but always guided by care. He often reminded me to “study hard, aim high, and sometimes expect the unexpected,” words born from his own journey. As a young man, he dreamed of studying Medicine and even passed the initial major exam, but unexpected circumstances led him to shift to Engineering. He embraced that change with humility, just as he embraced every hardship at work until those struggles finally rewarded him with a stable position. He was forgiving, hardworking, and endlessly devoted. His love for us—his children—was also his way of loving Mama deeply. I carry his lessons forever."

- Pio Jr.

“I remember during my struggles with my studies and the demanding clinical rotations in college, he was the one who stood by me the most. He believed I could pass everything, even when I doubted myself. Night after night, after long clinical days, he would patiently wait up late just to make sure I made it home safely. Even after I got married, his role as a father never changed. He continued to make sure I was happy in life. When I lost my husband to cancer, he worried deeply for me. Even with his stroke condition, when expressing emotions became difficult, he still found a way to show his sadness and his love for me. His concern, guidance, and unwavering love followed me through every stage of adulthood, always reminding me that I was never alone.”

- Jocelyn
BSN, RN, MSN-FNP-BC

"Papa was an amazing father, always firm because he truly wanted the best for us. I can still picture the immense pride in his eyes when I graduated from college. As he grew older, his passion for travel flourished, and I deeply cherished the time we spent together exploring new places. I will always treasure the wonderful memories we created. I will miss him deeply and carry his love with me always."

- Michael
BS in Computer Technology
Network Administrator

“Papa believed in me when I felt no one else did and I wanted to make him proud. He gave me the courage and strength to pursue my dream career as a pharmacist, which helped me build my own family.”

- Michelle
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Doctor of Pharmacy