In Memory of

Eduardo

C.

Mesina

Life Story for Eduardo C. Mesina

Eduardo Castro Mesina, age 97, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in New York City, on May 9th, 2018. Born in Morong Bataan, Philippines, Eduardo attended Ateneo de Manila University on a music scholarship for two years until the outbreak of World War II in 1941. As a talented musician, he played the clarinet and saxophone with many orchestras, including the Ray Aristorenas Band, entertaining American troops all over the Philippines during and after the war. Post-war, he finished his studies at the University of the East, Manila, earning a Bachelors in Business and Accounting.

In 1969, Eduardo immigrated to the United States, followed in 1970 by his wife Eleonor and their two kids, Eduardo Jr. and Editha. His work brought him to Philadelphia and New Jersey, where he was an accountant for various insurance agencies until his retirement in 1985. He and his wife Eleonor were active in the St. Peter’s Church community in Merchantville, NJ where Eduardo was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Eduardo enjoyed gardening in his backyard where he grew exotic Asian vegetables and fruit, cultivating and nurturing them from seed. With a passion for learning, Eduardo studied the translation and use of the Latin language, and also continued to foster his love for music by translating traditional and popular songs into arrangements for the piano. He also enjoyed travelling to Europe, the Philippines and Japan with his family. After the death of Eleonor in 2003, Eduardo moved into the home of his daughter where he quickly became an important part of the lives of his two grandchildren. Eduardo enjoyed attending mass at St. Mary’s Church on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and taking walks up and down Grand St. He was predeceased by his wife Eleonor and son Eduardo Jr., as well as all of his siblings: Mariano, Maria Luz, Jovita, Jose, Socorro, Theresa and Guillermo. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Editha Mesina and David Sundberg; his grandchildren, Belen and Arlen; his two sisters in law, Fe Linao and Maria Belen Trabel; two brothers in-law, Jaime Guerrero and Bernardo Trabel; and many dear nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Eduardo’s bright smile and his great and heartfelt kindness, will forever be remembered by those who knew him. His loving family and friends will miss him dearly.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s RC Church at 440 Grand St. NY. NY 10002.