George Choa

George Castillo Choa was born on June 3, 1938 at Mata Child Hospital in Manila, Philippines to Jorge Choa and Efigenia Castillo. George passed away peacefully on January 31, 2020 at the age of 81 1/2 at Torrance Memorial Medical Center.

George completed his elementary education at Cecilio Apostol Elementary School and high school at Arellano High School . In 1960, George graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from Far Eastern University.

In 1962 George met and courted Paula Subido Fontanilla. They were married on December 6, 1964, and blessed with their first child Mellissa on October 3, 1965. Their second child, Fred on October 12, 1969. And their third child, Jasmine on February 27, 1971.

In July 1972, George received a Professional Visa to immigrate to the United States. His first job in the US was as a cost accountant for Van de Kamp bakery in Los Angeles. And in October 1973, Paula, Mellissa (8), Frederick (4) and Jasmine (2) immigrated to the United States to be with their husband / father. They first lived in a one-bedroom guest house, and with hard work and saving, they purchased their first home in Carson, California in 1976. In 1979 they moved into their current residence at 22233 Dolores Street where George and Paula raised their kids and celebrated so many memories.

Professionally, George was an Accountant and became a Nursing Home Administrator, working for over 50 years. George touched the lives of so many people with his empathy and dedication to the patients that resided in the Nursing Homes he managed. George semi-retired in 2006, but continued to work part-time as an Accountant until 2016.

George will be remembered for his kindness, calmness, warm smile, generosity, and unconditional devotion to his friends and family. He had a strong work ethic which he modeled for his children and grandchildren. Most important to George was family – he wanted his family to love, support, and take care of each other.

George is survived by his wife of 55 years, Paula Choa. George’s children and spouses will remember him fondly: Mellissa Choa Olaes & Gil Santonil Olaes; Frederick Fontanilla Choa & Margaret Planta Choa, and Jasmine Choa Briones & Hermes Almarinez Briones.

Grandpa George was blessed with eight grandchildren and one granddaughter in-law: Nicole Gilian Olaes, Gil Michael Olaes and his wife Angelina Garcia Olaes, Garrett George Olaes, Kira Mellissa Olaes, Justin Michael Choa, Donovan James Choa, Luke Christopher Briones and Jessica Leia Briones.

George enjoyed his work but found true fulfillment with his family. He celebrated the births of his older grandchildren Nicole and Gil in 1992 and 1994. Between 1999 and 2004, he was blessed with a new granchild for six (6) years in a row. After partially retiring, George would drive from Carson to Cypress, CA to pick up his grandchildren whenever he was needed. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, taking them out to eat, driving them to activities, getting them treats, and always giving them money. We spent weekends and holidays enjoying his company and his quiet way of making sure everyone was doing well as he shared words of wisdom.