Serafin Orpilla

Obituary of Serafin Wilfredo Orpilla

Serafin “Willy” Orpilla, age 72, formerly of Kearny, NJ passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Las Vegas, NV. He was born in Bauang, La Union Philippines on October 12, 1950, to Ret. Col. Federico and Catalina P. Orpilla, a registered nurse.

 

Willy Orpilla is survived by his college sweetheart, Purificacion “Peanut” and blessed with two sons and a daughter, eldest Mont Frederick, his wife Kathrine; Donna Katrina, with wife Liane; and youngest Mark Theodore with wife Robyn. Willy has four grandchildren whom he loved, adored, and spoiled Jacob, Kaia, Logan, and Mateo whom he called “The Last Emperor”.

 

Willy also leaves behind six siblings Carmelita Ragaza, Federico Jr., Bernabe, Sylvia Lacsina, Veronica Benitez, and Tomasito. Willy was preceded in death by his parents Federico and Catalina, and his brother Celerino Sr.

 

Willy was a full scholar and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering at University of the East and placed 9th in the Engineering Board exams in the Philippines. He held the position of Senior Engineer at FILSYN before migrating to the US in 1988. He excelled in his last job, and supervised installation, maintenance, and training of water purification and treatment systems using UV and Ozone technology. Prior to his retirement in 2018, he travelled for work domestically and internationally, and earned Million Miler Elite with United Airlines and Lifetime Titanium Elite with Marriott hotels. Willy was also a published writer and authored a book ‘Say It the American Way’. The book was widely used in schools and universities preparing Filipino migrants coming to the US. He was also an inventor and patented the ‘curved curtain rod’ that are mostly seen in todays' hotels. He is a philanthropist who has donated to countless organizations. 

 

Throughout the years and more so during his retirement years were spent doing what he loved most: exercise, music, travel, and spending time and having a great laugh with friends and family. When he was asked what was he most proud of, he responded with “being fit and healthy so that he would be a good role model to his family”. He stayed active spending time in the garden. He exercised everyday, played golf, danced and challenged himself by playing brain game exercises like sudoku, chess and mahjong with his barkadas. He frequently played the guitar, keyboard, and ukulele, and loved singing Karaoke with family and friends. He played frequent in the slots in the casinos. He loved to travel with his wife and recently came back from a long vacation in the Philippines. 

 

A family visitation viewing will be held at Kraft-Sussman Funeral Services, 3975 S Durango Dr, Las Vegas, NV on Monday May 1st from 12pm – 4pm. There will be a church viewing at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1811 Pueblo Vista Dr, Las Vegas, NV on Tuesday May 2nd at 10am followed by a funeral mass at 11am. Flowers can be sent to their home in Summerlin, Las Vegas, NV or at Kraft-Sussman on Monday morning.

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