Rolando "Roy" Santos

Rolando "Roy" Santos, born on August 12, 1940, in Parañaque, Philippines, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, in Cerritos, California, surrounded by his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother whose life was characterized by quiet strength, immense kindness, and a passion for life’s simple pleasures.

Roy's journey through life was shaped by early tribulations, as he lost his father to World War II when he was only five. Raised by his devoted mother alongside his beloved sister, Brenda, he found solace in the support of their close-knit extended family, the De Veras. These early experiences instilled in him a strong sense of family bonds, which he cherished throughout his life, remaining particularly close to Brenda and their cousins Lambert, Nardy, and Junior.

Roy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Mapua University in Manila, Philippines and later migrated to Los Angeles, California in 1985. As a man of very few words, he was known for his quiet demeanor, yet his presence spoke volumes to those who knew him well. A shy yet extremely nice individual, Roy respected everyone around him and maintained a harmonious existence centered on family values and personal integrity.

An aficionado of action movies and basketball, Roy balanced his indoor interests with a fondness for the outdoors, especially walking with his beloved dog, Eli, who had passed away a few months prior to his own departure. His hobbies extended to shooting guns and traveling the world, further enriching the fabric of his experiences and memories.

A kind husband to his beloved wife, Carmelita, Roy was a pillar of strength in his family. His wisdom shaped the lives of his children - Joy, Reggie and Rochelle - who carry forth his spirit. Roy was a proud grandfather, savoring the joys of family through his grandchildren: Justine and Jodi, daughters of Joy and Armie; Ian and Sydnie, children of Reggie and Milette; and Jacob and Rheana of Rochelle and Alan.

Roy's heart was also touched as he welcomed their spouses with open arms. He deeply appreciated his two daughters-in-law, Armie Santos, wife of Joy and Milette Santos, wife of Reggie, and also his son-in-law, Alan Mortera, husband of Rochelle. Though Armie's time with them was cut short, her memory remains a cherished presence in their hearts.

He witnessed the joyous occasion of Ian's marriage to Ayah Santos a few years ago in Henderson. He created a tight bond with his new grandson-in-law, Jose Castillo, husband of Sydnie. These connections brought him immeasurable pride and joy as he celebrated the love across generations.

After a slip and fall at home on April 24, 2025, Roy was taken to ER, where medical examinations revealed a pancreatic tumor was blocking his bile ducts, leading to liver failure.  Roy faced the challenges of his condition with the love of his family by his side relentlessly every single day for five weeks straight. In the final three days, he received invaluable support from the Personal Care Hospice Team, whose compassionate care allowed him to pass away very peacefully and comfortably on June 1st surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Forest Lawn - Cypress - Hope Chapel on June 25, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and continued on June 26, 2025, at Forest Lawn - Cypress - Church of Our Fathers from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The Funeral Service will take place on June 27, 2025, at St. Linus Catholic Church in Norwalk, beginning at 10:00 AM.

Roy Santos's memory remains a beacon of love for those who were fortunate enough to know him.