Engr. Pio Arcilla Teston

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 large and loving family.

Pio was the fourth-born son in a family of seven children, born on October 15, 1933, in Baras, Cantanduanes, 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 building infrastructures for his community, he was known for his kindness, loyalty and generosity. Further, his work is also reflected in designing and building his family home in Quezon City, Philippines.

Beyond his academic and professional achievements, Pio’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He and his wife, Isabelita B. Teston, shared 64 years of marriage and raised eight children. He was a loving husband to his wife, a loving father to his children, as well as to his parents, siblings and in-laws. 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 at times, his parenting appeared strict to his children, they were always rooted in deep love and desire to prepare them for the challenges of life. His strong leadership at home largely contributed to the academic successes and professional achievements of all eight of his children, who all completed either college, graduate and doctorate level degrees. Their professional excellence and services to their communities now becomes a part of Pio's legacy.

In his retirement years, Pio was afflicted by a stroke and faced physical limitations. Nevertheless, he remained mentally strong and continued to lead his large family, providing them guidance and recommendations towards their successes. He enjoyed simply just being present for his family and friends, spending quality time with his children and grandchildren, either at home or when dining out. He did not let his physical limitations stop him from enjoying life. He stayed current with current events through watching his daily news and TV shows. He loved life and enjoyed traveling with his wife, children and grandchildren until the very end. He remained strong in his devotion to God and the Catholic faith, which allowed him to continue living his life fully, despite his partially paralyzed condition.

Pio was a great provider, leader and father, who led by example, loved deeply, and gave selflessly. His faith, sacrifices 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 is survived by his wife, Mrs. Isabelita Teston of Buena Park, CA and 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.
• A celebration of life will be held at TBD.

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 in SpEd.

Doctor of Education

“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 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 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