Valentin Wenceslao Codilla

Valentin Wenceslao Codilla, Jr. of La Palma, California, passed away at age 76 on Thursday, June 25, 2020. After several months of declining health, he died peacefully with his beloved wife, Bella, by his side.


Valentin was born on March 11, 1944 in Palompon, Leyte, Philippines to parents Valentin Codilla, Sr. and Dominga Wenceslao Codilla. He graduated from high school as valedictorian at St. Mary's Academy in Oslob, Cebu, Philippines and graduated magna cum laude from the University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy. He obtained a CPA license and worked for the Bank of the Philippine Islands for 27 years, first as an auditor and later becoming a bank branch manager. Upon immigrating to the United States, he worked for the United States Postal Service for 18 years. He was a dedicated employee who hardly took any time off.


Valentin was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Celina, Lourdes, and Gracia. He is survived by his wife, Bella, whom he married in 1973. Valentin is also survived by daughter Ellen and son-in-law Rogelio; son Karl and daughter-in-law Katerine; daughter Emily; son Kevin and daughter-in-law Joanna; son Kent and son-in-law Josel; brother Jesus; sisters Teresita, Humildad, and Carmelita; several cousins, nieces, and nephews; and six grandchildren.


Valentin was a faithful husband and loving father and grandfather, who was known for quickly calculating arithmetic in his head. He was also known for his love of sports, especially tennis, baseball, and basketball. He enjoyed singing along to the music of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Matt Monro. He often wore baseball caps, so much so that he had a mini-collection.


A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 13, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Cypress, California.