Arturo Catapang

Arturo Catapang, formerly of Laguna, Philippines, died peacefully on October 21, 2024, at the age of 96. Husband of 65 years to his beautiful wife Francisca (Orsua) Catapang. Loving father of Mary Jane Primack & her husband Steve of West Roxbury, Art Catapang & his wife Ellen of Marlborough, Mary Grace Camuso & her husband Bob of Ashland, and Mary Beth Toomey and her husband Rich of Medford. Arturo is also survived by eight loving grandchildren - Brian and his partner Elizabeth, Derek and his wife Alyssa, Kevin and his wife Courtney, Matthew and his wife Claire, Ashleigh and her partner Billy, Lindsey and her husband Christopher, William, and Andrew, as well as one great grandson, Frances.



Arturo was born and raised in Laguna, Philippines. As a child he loved baseball, particularly the Red Sox, which influenced his move to Boston later in life. During the Japanese occupation, Arturo bravely ran messages between the Filipino and U.S. troops, risking his life to support their efforts for freedom.

Arturo and Francisca made frequent trips back to the Philippines, always bringing gifts and school supplies in tow to give back to their hometown and families.

As a young man, he moved to Bangkok, Thailand where he met the love of his life, Francisca. Arturo famously says it was love at first sight. He was captivated by her beauty, charm and million-dollar legs, but Francisca humbly admits she was the only woman in the office. Their work took them to Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Together they received gold medals from the King of Thailand for their work mapping Southeast Asia.



Arriving in Boston in 1965, Arturo studied at Northeastern University and worked as a civil engineer. He and Francisca made a home in Needham where they raised their four children.

Arturo was a proud Filipino American, deeply committed to preserving his heritage. He actively participated in a Philippine Youth Organization, helping to connect his children with their roots and sharing Filipino culture through food and dance at multicultural fairs. A man of deep faith, Arturo devoted his Sundays to church, where he served as a Eucharistic minister and dedicated countless hours to volunteer work. His career took him on work assignments to Ghana and Europe, where he traveled extensively with his family to Denmark, England, France, Greece, Iran, Israel, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.

After a fulfilling career, Arturo and Francisca retired to Melbourne, Florida where they embraced the sunshine and enjoyed their golden years together. He loved tending to his mango trees in the backyard, playing mahjong with friends and proudly served as the president of the Elks Lodge in Melbourne where he made lasting friendships.



Arturo will always be remembered for his infectious smile, his spirited dance moves and his unwavering love for his wife and family. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends, but his vibrant spirit will live on in our hearts.

A private celebration of life will be held for family only. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Arturo Catapang to the Miriam Boyd Parlin Hospice Residence that provided such compassionate care during his final days. Donation link: https://gscommunitycare.org/Donate. Donations can also be made out to "Good Shepherd Community Care" and mailed to the Parlin Residence, 10 Green Way, Wayland, MA 01778.