Arthur Orallo "Art" Olivar

Arthur "Art" Orallo Olivar passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on October 11, 2025, in Antioch, CA at the age of 79. He is survived by his children, Reginald (Leah); Karen Mariano (Ernest); and Aileen (Maricela). Proud grandfather to his grandchildren Carina and Lorenzo Olivar; Skylar, Ethaniel, and Everly Mariano; and Alexis Enriquez. The oldest and Manong to his siblings, Elizabeth Rocamora (Larry); Jaime (Amira); Abraham (Liway); Marilou Sarmiento (Edgar); and Wilfredo (Diggie) as well as half-siblings Victor and Evelyn. Lastly, he had a whole extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and multiple grand-nieces/nephews. He is predeceased from his mother, Remedios Orallo; father, Artemio Ordoño; and brother Antonio.

Arthur, affectionately known as Art, was born on August 2, 1946, in Balaoan, La Union, Philippines. He attended Balaoan Elementary School and St. Joseph's High School in Quezon City, where he excelled in mathematics and science-subjects that would later shape his lifelong career. Art went on to earn his degree from the top engineering school, Mapúa University in Manila, where his drive and discipline stood out. Known for taking up to nine courses at a time, he was deeply dedicated to his studies and strived to set a strong example for his younger siblings as the Manong.

During his years in the Philippines, Art's life was filled with rich friendships and a love for the outdoors. He enjoyed playing basketball on the neighborhood courts, watching local boxing matches, and joining family gatherings filled with laughter, food, and music. For several years, he worked at the Bacnotan Cement Industries in Manila before moving back home. He often recalled fond memories of fiestas, walking along the beaches of La Union, and helping his siblings and parents around the house. His strong sense of family, humility, and hard work were deeply rooted in those early years in the Philippines.

Art immigrated to the United States in the 1970s, seeking new opportunities and a better life for his growing family. He initially worked as an engineer with several major companies, including Pneudraulics and Bechtel. When the economy slowed, he adapted by taking on various other roles-working as a paratransit driver and even as a driving school instructor-always embracing whatever came his way with determination and grace. His love for driving continued and in 1994, he relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area to be closer to extended family and began working with his brothers for San Francisco's Muni System, where he remained until his retirement in December 2011.

Art lived a life full of simple joys and genuine passions. He was an avid bowler, joining multiple leagues across Southern California and the Bay Area, often competing in tournaments in Pomona and Las Vegas. His love of fishing began early and never waned-many fond memories were made at Redondo Beach Pier, where he'd cut bait with his children, and later at the Antioch Bridge fishing with his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching Tiger Woods' dominance on the golf course and Andre Agassi's energy on the tennis court. A loyal sports fan, he cheered for the LA Lakers' "Showtime" era of the 1980's-before adopting the Bay Area's teams and celebrating the San Francisco Giants and 49ers' championship runs.

He loved to cook and spend time in the kitchen with his sisters or by the grill with his brothers. His specialties included pancit palabok and his own take on Filipino fried chicken. One of his children's fondest memories was his special "ice cream sandwiches" made from two slices of Wonder Bread with vanilla ice cream in between. He found joy in simple pleasures-raising nearly 100 parakeets in his Pomona backyard and tending to koi fish in his Walnut home. In his later years, he enjoyed casino trips with his siblings and kids to Cache Creek, Graton Casino, or Lakeside and the Nugget in Nevada, where he was often found trying his luck at his favorite slot machines, including Dragon Link, Wheel of Fortune, and Double Diamond.

Faith was central to Art's life. Nearly sinless in spirit, he demonstrated his devotion to God through daily prayer and reciting the rosary-often twice a day, sometimes with his granddaughter Skylar. Even during quarantine, he faithfully attended online Mass. In his earlier part of life he was an active member of various Filipino groups – Balaoan Filipino Association, and rosary groups including Our Lady of Fatima Filipino Rosary group and sang as part of the choir at St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Church in Walnut.

Art was known by everyone as a sweet, warm, and gentle soul. He was also recognized for his calm and understanding nature-open-minded, never judgmental, and a man whose few words carried great wisdom. He listened with genuine compassion, offering thoughtful guidance without ever imposing his views. Peaceful and humble in all that he did, he embodied quiet strength and grace. He dedicated himself to helping others, especially his family, whenever he could. Whether it meant giving his time, resources, or simply a listening ear, he never hesitated to lend a hand. It brought him joy to offer others a little more than they had-even if it was a place to stay, a few dollars for a meal, a helping hand to fix something broken, or heartfelt advice for life's challenges. His kindness knew no limits, and his generosity left a lasting mark on everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

In his later years, Art faced the challenges of Parkinson's disease with quiet strength and grace. Though the illness gradually slowed him down, he continued to find joy in life's simple pleasures and cherished every moment spent with his family-his children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and extended family. Having devoted much of his life to caring for others, it became his family's turn to care for him with the same love, compassion, and attentiveness he had always shown them. In his final days, he was surrounded by his devoted family, who prayed for him and held him close in their hearts.

Arthur's life will be remembered for its integrity, humility, and unwavering kindness. His compassion and quiet strength touched the lives of all who knew him, and his legacy continues through his family and friends. He would want his loved ones to live fully, embracing each moment with love and gratitude, and to honor his memory not with sorrow, but by celebrating the time shared-the laughter, the meals, the conversations, and the memories. His enduring influence is reflected in his kindness, faith, gentle heart, and steadfast love as a father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Though deeply missed, his memory remains a lasting source of inspiration and comfort.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10

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