Obituaries Obituaries (April 03, 2002)

Angelo Atilano

Retired Court House custodian

Angelo F. Atilano of Menlo Park, who served in the First Filipino Regiment in World War II, died March 22 at Stanford Medical Center. He was 91 and had resided in Menlo Park since 1932.

A native of the Philippines, Mr. Atilano came to the United States in 1927. He joined his father and two brothers as domestic staff for an Atherton family, where they served as groundskeeper, chauffeur and cook, and took care of the children.

Although in his late teens, Mr. Atilano attended Las Lomitas School to complete his eighth-grade education.

Mr. Atilano was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1942. As a private first class, he saw battle in New Guinea and the Southern Philippine Islands during World War II. He was decorated with the Asian Pacific Campaign Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, he joined the Army Transportation Corp's Civilian Marine Service for two years. He was stationed at Fort Mason and made many voyages overseas.

Mr. Atilano married Celerina Legaspi Geronimo in Manila in 1950. He worked for San Mateo County as a custodian for more than 24 years, retiring in 1975.

In retirement he enjoyed family fishing trips to Half Moon Bay, working in his garden, and cooking for family gatherings, according to his son, Ron Atilano. "His proudest possessions were his 1958 Dodge and later his 1965 Bel Air station wagon," he says.

Mr. Atilano is survived by his children: Patricia Szto of Fountain Valley, Linda G. Atilano and Ron P. Atilano, both of Menlo Park; and two grandchildren.

A funeral Mass was held at St. Raymond Catholic Church with interment at Alta Mesa Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to a favorite charity. Arrangements were under the direction of Redwood Chapel, Redwood City.
Martha Robbins Macdonald

A celebration of the life of Martha Robbins Macdonald, 80, of Atherton, who died March 20, will be held at noon, April 9, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Palo Alto. A complete obituary for Ms. Macdonald will be included in next week's edition of the Almanac.
Suzanne Gillis Hamm

A memorial service for Suzanne Gillis Hamm, 83, formerly of Woodside and Menlo Park, will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, at the Peninsula Volunteers Little House at 800 Middle Ave. in Menlo Park. A complete obituary for Ms. Hamm will be included in next week's edition of the Almanac.