Hilarion Mora Cantor, II

Hilarion Mora Cantor II, 88, passed away peacefully on the eve of April 12, 2023.  He was surrounded by his loving family at his home in Roseville, California.

He was a supportive son and brother, a loving husband/father/ grandfather/great grandfather, and devoted friend. He was well loved by many. Not only handsome, he was also smart, funny, outspoken, optimistic, and generous beyond his means.

The 4th of eight children, Hilarion was born to the late Guillermo and Ruperta Cantor on August 11, 1934 in Infanta, Quezon, Philippines, and was named after his grandfather, Don Hilarion de los Reyes Cantor.   He was “Kulot” to his parents and siblings, “Papa” to his wife, children and many grand and great grandchildren, “Happy” to his friends and “Eddie C” at the poker table. A fun-loving, warm-hearted and outgoing personality is a trait often associated with curly hair; he fully lived up to his name.

In 1953, he graduated Valedictorian from Emilio Jacinto High School in Quezon City, and received a scholarship to the University of Manila.  However, to support his family, he delayed his education to join the U.S. Navy in 1954.

On August 22, 1958, Hilarion married the love of his life, Florida (Aida/Edda). Their love story began in high school where it was love at first sight. Determined to win her heart, he would walk and carry her bags home after school and do her homework.  A true romantic, he confessed his love for her with a letter inscribed with the lyrics of “Secret Love”.  He planned a wedding knowing how important it was to her, and on Feb 22, 1959, he surprised her with a formal church ceremony.

During his tenure in the Navy, he lived predominantly on the ship and was stationed in the U.S. while his wife and children resided in the Philippines.  In 1973, he successfully petitioned for his family to join him and was finally reunited in Mountain View, CA.  After 20 years of military service, he retired from the Navy in 1977 and took a job as a mail handler with USPS. Eventually, he moved on to the VA Hospital as a payroll supervisor before officially retiring from the workforce in 2008.

His love for his family was unconditional, and aside from his wife, Edda, his most treasured gifts were his children, the “7 C’s”.  He taught them self-love, independence, perseverance, and humility. As feisty as his children may be, he never uttered a negative comment to them.  He disciplined without criticism and was always open to compromise.  The greatest lesson instilled in his children was the importance of putting your family first.

Hilarion was also a proud member of the fraternal Manlalakbay Masonic Society, an avid bowler and a passionate poker player, where he became known as “Eddie C”.   His never-ending smile and playful jokes earned him the nickname “Happy” amongst his friends.

He lived a full life by his favorite motto, “Dum Spiro Spero” While I breathe, I hope. It was hope that enabled him to pursue his dreams. He believed that anything is possible. Knowing there are many paths to his goals and not one of them is free of obstacles, he left this world believing the future will be better than the present because he had the power to make it so.

He will lovingly be remembered by his wife of 65 years, Florida, last surviving youngest sister Virginia, daughters Hilda (Phil), Tina, Dahil (Patrick), Reyna (Jobill), Leng (Fernando), and Tes (Cris), though not biologically but considered her as one of his own, and his sons Larry (Elsa) and Bong, along with 36 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Family and friends are welcome to attend the following:

Calvary Cemetery & Funeral Center Resurrection Chapel

7100 Verner Avenue

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

Tues, 5/2/2023

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm              Rosary/Visitation

Wed., 5/3/2023:

9:00 am – 11:00 am             Final viewing/Celebration of Life

11:00 am – 12:00 pm           Funeral mass

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm           Burial