Obituary of Teofilo Soriano Sison

It is with very sad hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Teofilo Sison on March 6, 2019 at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ. Born Dec 6, 1923, he was 95 years old when he went home to meet his Maker.

Fil, as he is known by friends and family, was born in Lingayen, Pangasinan in the Philippines to Florentino Sison and Marcela Soriano. The youngest in a brood of 8 children, he was the poster child for a self-made man, literally pulling himself by his bootstraps or rather lack thereof. He was always telling us that he would take his shoes off part of his walk to school so as not to wear down the soles as this was the only pair he owned. With the help of his brothers and sisters, he sent himself to college and finished with a Law degree from Manuel L. Quezon University. He worked his way to become Asst. Vice President of the Andres Soriano Corp, the owners of the famous San Miguel beer, Coca-Cola distribution and Magnolia ice cream among others.

Along this journey, he met a young lass from Romblon named Claudia who he married on Dec 22, 1957. They had 8 children and 10 grandchildren after 61 years of marriage.

He was a very devoted husband and father whose top priority was to send all his 8 kids to college (some of us he had to do twice for a do-over). He was very charming (just ask mom), kind-hearted who always believed the good in people, ready to help anyone who came to our door even if it meant more belt-tightening for him, funny with a very sharp wit, loved to spend time with family and friends (imagine doing a 6-8 hour road trip in our Batman car with all 8 kids, sardines had more room), always grateful even during times when it was hard to say thanks but most of all, a very firm believer in God. He had faith that could literally move mountains and sometimes probably had. He will be very missed.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Claudia; children Lynn, Floren, Paul, Esther, Sheila, Edward, Tina and Pia; grandchildren Pia Marie, Michelle, Christina, Patrick, Paul, Phillip, John, Samantha, Andrea and Jeune; a great many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors both here and in the Philippines.

To celebrate the life and memory of this wonderful man, services are as follows:

Wake will be on March 10, Sunday, 3-7 PM at Frank Patti Funeral Home, 327 Main Street, Fort Lee, NJ 07024.

Funeral services will be on March 11, Monday. Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM at Madonna Church on the Hill, 2070 Hoefley’s Lane, Fort Lee, NJ 07024. He will be laid to rest at Madonna Cemetery and Mausoleum (next to the church) immediately following the memorial.