Camilo Celi Valderrama

VALDERRAMA, Camilo Celi-- entered peacefully into rest surrounded by his family on Tuesday, June 18, 2002 in San Jose after a sudden brain aneurysm. ""Mel"" was born on July 13, 1925 in Bani, Pangasinan, Philippines. He married Coronacion "'Connie"" Oppus on April 19, 1954 after an 8 month pen pal relationship which turned into a marriage of 48 years.He is survived by his wife. Dearest father of Janette Valderrama Perla and her husband, Benjamin Perla, Roberto Valderrama and his wife Denise Baudet, Camilo ""Lito"" Valderrama Jr., and his wife Mary Da SIlva (daughter of Nicolau M. Da Silva who entered into rest on June 15, 2002 and Carolina Da Silva). Dear brother of Elisa Cacho of Santa Maria - only surviving sibling of 11 brothers and sisters. Loving Lolo to his 9 grandchildren, Jolie, Aly and Mele (the JAM sisters), Olivia, Robby, CJ, Bethany, Adrian and Marcus all of San Jose. He is survived by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.Leaving the Philippines to pursue the American dream, Mel arrived in San Francisco in 1955. Connie, followed him shortly thereafter. In 1960, he moved his family to San Jose. In 1962, Mel became one of the original founders of the Philippine Professional & Business Society of Santa Clara Valley, Inc. He was the 1st elected treasurer of the organization and served as President in 1976. A Mechanical Engineer by profession, he retired from FMC in 1987. After retirement, Mel devoted much of his time to the Filipino Cursillo of the Diocese of San Jose, a Catholic group that he also helped found nearly 20 years ago.He enjoyed life to the fullest. He made sure to visit the golf course twice a week, worked on his beautiful garden daily, played mahjong (also known as the swimming club) on a regular basis. A man of many talents, he was an inventor, an artist, a songwriter and a photographer. He was a member of PACT (People Acting on Community Together). He enjoyed traveling extensively with Connie on trips to various parts of the U.S., Canada, Europe, South America, the Caribbean and Mexico. He and Connie truly enjoyed cruises - even though he was prone to sea sickness. He especially loved to spoil his children and grandchildren by taking them on family vacations to the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Philippines and Las Vegas.In between, he always made room for his most favorite passion, singing and music. He was gifted with a beautiful voice, but according to Connie, his timing could have been improved. In his younger days, among his friends and family, he would be known as the ""Andy Williams of the Philippines."" He enjoyed translating Filipino songs into English. He also enjoyed Karaoke.He was devoted to his apostolic work with the Cursillo and with Most Holy Trinity Parish. Combining his love of singing and his love of the Lord, he sang with various church choirs. He was the first cantor at Most Holy Trinity Parish (40 years ago). He sang weekly for many years at convalescent homes and in recent years became a Bereavement Minister for Most Holy Trinity Church. He would help administer final blessings at funerals/vigils and then he would sing at the service. Recently he added singing first Fridays at Guadalupe Parish in San Jose. He will be missed by all. We love you Mel, Dad, Lolo, ""Brad"". Decolores!Friends are invited to an evening Vigil and Rosary on Monday, June 24, 2002, 7:00 p.m. at Most Holy Trinity Parish, San Jose. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, June 25, 2002, 10:00 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Parish. Burial will follow the Mass at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. The family respectfully requests that donations be made to Most Holy Trinity Building Fund, 2040 Nassau Drive, San Jose 95127. Arrangements by CHAPEL OF FLOWERS (408) 294-9663.