Arturo Lawas Maligaya

Arturo Lawas Maligaya, 72, of Champaign passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on July 12, 2014. Born on March 31, 1942, he was predeceased by his parents, Ireneo and Juliana: brothers, Apolinario, Casimiro and Jose; and sisters, Fidela and Anita. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Erlinda Ramos Maligaya; daughters, Arlyn (Noel Herrera), Armel (Roland Mallare), Arceli, Alma (John De Guzman), Ana Liza (Antonio Maningas); son, Eric (Rhea); and grandchildren, Ian, Ingrid, Julie, Claire, Trisha, Kirsten, Riley, Angela, Audrey, Ella, and Joaquin. He is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Julieta and Aurora, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family. Arturo was born in the Philippines where he lived most of his life. He attended the University of the Philippines at Los Banos and received a BS degree. He later on earned his MBA from Philippine Christian University. An employee of the Philippine government for over twenty years, with hard work and dedication he moved up from a Credit Examiner to Executive Staff Officer. After retiring from the government, he entered politics and was Interim Vice Mayor of Los Banos, his hometown. His career in politics was short-lived and he settled as a business owner. He owned an agricultural farm machineries business in the Philippines and a few years after migrating to the US, opened a Filipino grocery store in Champaign. A loving husband, father and grandfather, Arturo was happiest spending time with his family. Arturo was a generous, supportive, nurturing, and loving man and he will be dearly missed. Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Thursday, July 17, 2014, at Sunset Funeral Homes, Champaign-Urbana Chapel, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, July 18, 2014, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 405 W. Clark St., Champaign. Cremation rights will be accorded, and burial of Arturo's cremated remains will be back in the Philippines at a later date. Please join Arturo's family in sharing photos, video, and memories of his life on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.