Elpidio Arcena Calonsag

With hearts full of love, gratitude, and sorrow, we mourn the loss and celebrate the remarkable life of Elpidio Arcena Calonsag, a devoted husband, loving father, beloved brother, cherished grandfather/great-grandfather, and unwavering friend. On January 13, 2025 at 93 years old, Elpidio Arcena Calonsag was called home in San Francisco, CA, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Estrellita (Ging Calonsag); his children, (Eduardo, Emily, Josephine and Donna) whom he shared with Margarita (“Nene;”). He is also survived by his sister Lily Fernandez, his 7 grandchildren (Cliff, Ben, Tyrone, Linette, Iris, Aaron, and Trisha) and 20 great-grandchildren. He is now reunited in eternal peace with his 2 daughters, Imelda, Erlinda, his son-in-law Abner, his brothers Rodolfo, Carding, Alfredo, Catalino, Ambrosio Jr,  Dominador, his mother Lucia and his father Ambrosio Calonsag Sr. 

Born on August 5, 1931, in Manila Philippines, Elpidio was a man of resilience, courage, and boundless love. Though his journey began in the Philippines, in 1972, he embarked on a journey across the ocean to the United States with his family, seeking a better life and brighter opportunities. His unwavering determination and hard work paved the way for a future filled with love, success, and cherished memories. He worked diligently throughout his life—as a salesman, a farmer, a ballroom dance instructor, and as a waiter before retiring as a Superintendent/Doorman managing a building in San Francisco. God’s blessings and constant grace saw him through life’s challenges, granting him a life that was both rich and fulfilling. 

Elpidio had a generous heart, always ready to share wisdom, lend support, and uplift others. He shared 36 beautiful years with his loving wife, Estrelita “Ging” building a life filled with joy, laughter and unconditional love. His greatest legacy is the love, freedom and values he passed on to his family. He taught them the importance of kindness and gratitude, embracing life with courage, hard work, resilience, living life to the fullest and a deep appreciation for family. 

Beyond his deep love for family, Elpidio and Ging loved to travel and ballroom dance – dancing to Tango and Cha Cha. He was also a gifted chess player and always stepped out as a sharp dresser whose style reflected his vibrant personality. His love for singing was evident in his heartfelt renditions of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,”, “My Way,” “Mahal Kita,” and “Minsan.” He loved to go fishing and crabbing with his family. He was also a great cook – cooking his favorite dishes, Beef Nilaga, Beefsteak, Longanisa, Adobo and Gitang crab.  He had an unmatched sense of humor, always telling jokes, and doing magic tricks for his grandchildren. Elpidio had a way of bringing people together, reminding everyone to cherish the moment, dance like no one’s watching and sing with all your heart.

We are thankful to God for his mercy, grace and faithfulness throughout his life. Elpidio will never be forgotten and will always be deeply missed. While we will miss his presence, his voice, love, laughter, and spirit will remain in our hearts forever. May God give him rest and eternal peace. 

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restores my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

(Psalm 23:1-3).

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”

(Revelation 21:1).

“And God shall wipe away  all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

(Revelation 21:4).

“And the City had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the Light thereof.”

(Revelation 21:23). 

“Let not your heart be troubled: Believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

(John 14:1-3 )