Severino C. Francisco

Severino C. Francisco, 82, born on November 9, 1929, in Libsong, Lingayen, Philippines, passed away May 9, 2012 at his home in Carson, California. Severino is survived by his wife Benjamina, along with their children Rally, Danny, and Jocelyn, and grandchildren Noel, Grace, and Daniel Kian.

Severino was your traditional man – educated, hardworking, husband and father. He grew up in a small town in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. From a young age, Severino knew that in order to rise above the hardships commonly experienced in small rural towns, he would need to excel in school. And he did just that.

He graduated from high school as Valedictorian and earned a full scholarship to attend university in Baguio where he received his Bachelor's degree in Accounting. He graduated with honors as salutaturian of his class. After passing the CPA exam he began working at the finance department for the Philippine Military Academy. He was ready to settle down, build a home, and start a family.

At one of the annual festival dances held in the city of Baguio, he met Benjamina Silapan who became his wife of more than 50 years.

Severino applied for a professional visa to the United States which was granted after five years. Separated from his family, he worked hard taking public transportation to work. The first few months were difficult, but that did not deter him from his goal of bringing his wife and children to the U.S.. He was a trusted employee at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power where he became the chief accountant, and retired at the age of 67.

Severino is known for many things. He was hardworking, focused, loyal, and had a wonderful sense of humor. To his wife, he exhibited selfless love, kindness and patience. His children knew him to be steadfast and industrious, expecting them to excel as he did. For fun, Benjamina and Severino enjoyed attending the horseraces at Hollywood Park, Santa Anita and Del Mar. Severino used mathematic calculations to predict which horses would win based on their statistics. He loved the thrill of proving his calculations accurate more than picking the winning horse. He also loved to dance. He taught his kids to dance cha cha, boogie, and tango.

His grandchildren will never forget how wonderful he was. He made Christmas joyous, banning them from the bedroom as he wrapped a roomful of gifts. He made hot cocoa, and told jokes until they fell asleep. During summer vacations, afternoons were spent with Grandpa watching horseraces, eating yogurt, and playing chess. Bedtime stories were mathematical lectures or Filipino ghost stories, but always told with a smile and not to frighten. When vacation was over, he made sure their school bags were full of books and supplies before sending them off.

He always had a smile on his face and seemed to be in a happy spirit.

Severino will be missed by all.