Vicente T. Garciano

Vicente Tesoro Garciano, M.D.

December 16, 1941 - July 12, 2023

Pasadena, CA

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Vicente Tesoro Garciano, M.D., who peacefully left us on July 12, 2023. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, leaving behind cherished memories for all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Vicente T. Garciano was born on December 16, 1941 in Tudela, Camotes Island, Philippines to Honorato and Concepcion Garciano. World War II had started between the United States and Japan a week earlier and Japan began its campaign to conquer the Philippines after his birth. This forced the family to constantly move, seeking refuge away from the advancing Japanese forces. At this time, the family consisted of his parents, three sisters (one of whom is his twin), and one brother. Family members would recall hiding in caves to evade the Japanese army.

After World War II, the family began to rebuild their home in Cebu City where Vicente would go to school, play in the jungle with his monkey, and sell chocolates to the American GIs. 

Vicente wanted to be a sailor but was motivated to prove to his parents that he could be a doctor. He attended Cebu Institute of Medicine, one of the top medical schools in the country. He graduated in 1965 making many lifelong friends and meeting many nurses along the way. One of them was Consuelo Villarin, who would become his first wife.

Vicente immigrated to New York City under a visitor exchange program in 1966. Radiology would become his speciality. He liked radiology since it was cutting edge technology and also meant minimal interaction with patients and their complaints.

After marrying Consuelo in 1968, three sons quickly arrived. Werner in 1969 and then Edward and Vincent in 1971. Yes, Edward and Vincent are identical twins. With a growing family, Vicente found a bigger apartment in Brooklyn, which was home until 1974.

Realizing that many medical opportunities and warmer weather were to be found on the West Coast, Vicente moved the family to Pasadena, CA. At the time, he owned an Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser station wagon and was the only driver. He drove the entire route, stopping along the way to see old med school classmates and relatives. Never once did he say to his sons that he was stopping the car and driving back when they misbehaved. He was intent on making California his permanent home.

Vicente began working for a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) before HMOs became a thing. He first worked for Ross Loos and then eventually Cigna. Dad enjoyed reading x-rays, making diagnoses, playing with the latest technology in radiology and reading his stack of magazines during lulls in activity. When he came home, he would find something to fix or a home project to complete. He was renowned for his ability to read an auto repair manual and then fix his cars. His auto repair accomplishments range from a simple oil change to replacing the front brakes to installing the engine (twice!) in his 1979 Honda Accord. 

After his divorce from Consuelo in 1980, he met Fay Anasco. They married in December of 1984 in Las Vegas, NV. Since he wanted to be close to his sons during their teenage years, he purchased a home in Pasadena, which he would live in until his passing. The house was full of laughter, friendship and Filipino food as Vicente hosted many parties and talked until the late hours next to his swimming pool. 

When he wasn’t fixing cars or hosting parties, Vicente and Fay traveled the world. They loved seeing new places and meeting interesting people along the way. Among the countries visited: England, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Egypt, Israel, Singapore and of course the Philippines. They believed that the world is a treasure to be experienced and that you could only fully experience it by getting on a plane and going to places of interest and historical significance. Vicente did that to the fullest.

Vicente retired from Los Angeles County Health Services in 2009 and began to be a doting grandfather to his five grandchildren: Danielle, Keoni, Gahel, Desmond and Liliana. Vicente jumped for joy when the grandsons were born as this meant that the Garciano name would be passed to future generations. 

Fay unfortunately passed away in October of 2017. Vicente continued to travel in her memory, going to Cebu, Iceland and throughout the United States to visit relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate the life of Vicente T. Garciano. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to La Salle High School in Pasadena, CA in his honor. Vicente’s three sons and niece graduated from La Salle and one grandson is a current student. He believed that education is the key to advancing in life. 

Vicente is preceded in death by his parents, Honorato and Concepcion Garciano, his older brother, Honorato Garciano, Jr., and his wife Fay Anasco Garciano. He is survived by his three sons: Werner, Edward and Vincent; his five grandchildren: Danielle, Keoni, Gahel Vicente, Desmond, and Liliana; his five sisters: Conchita, Eva, Valentina, Ave, and Praxedes, and countless cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all friends and family who have offered their support and condolences during this difficult time.

May Vicente's spirit live on in our hearts and minds, and may we carry his memory with us as we continue life's journey.

Rest in peace, dear Vicente. You will be dearly missed.

Sincerely,

Werner, Edward and Vincent Garciano