Dionisio "Johnny" Callejo
April 8, 1939 - January 16, 2021
Dionisio Esmele Callejo peacefully entered into eternal rest on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at the age of 81 years old. He is survived by the love of his life, Rogelia "Ogie" Matilla Callejo; and their children: Joel Callejo (Lea), Ronnie Callejo (Michelle), Gail Callejo (Ana), and Cheryl Callejo Jarrott (Graham). He is also survived by his three loving grandchildren: McAllister, Xander, and McKenzie. Family was everything to him. He was so proud of his four children and three grandchildren.
He was born on April 8, 1939 in Mandaluyong, Rizal, Philippines. He attended Manuel L. Quezon University on a basketball scholarship and graduated in 1964 with a degree in chemical engineering and a minor in management engineering. In May of 1967, he married Rogelia “Ogie” Matilla and together they had four beautiful children. He came to the United States in May of 1968 with the help of his late Great-Uncle, Faustino Esmele Eclevia and became a U.S. Citizen. He began his career with Texaco as a chemical engineer. He retired after 25 years of service in 1995. It was then that he was able to fully realize his passion for cooking and gardening. He cooked many fine Filipino meals for his family and the Filipino community. He spent many hours in his garden tending to his vegetables. He also loved to sing and dance to the delight of many.
He was heavily involved in the Filipino community of New Orleans. He attended the Filipino masses with his wife, which were held on the first Saturday of each month. He was an active singer with the Silayan Choir of New Orleans. In the 80's, he was the president of the Philippine American Sports Association of New Orleans (PASANO). Not only was he an avid golfer, but he enjoyed fishing and bowling as well. His ultimate passion though was spending quality time with his three grandchildren. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports and listening to their musical performances.
Throughout the years, he remained close to his siblings in the Philippines as well as those who live in the United States. He is survived by his sisters and brother: Teresita Callejo Trinidad (Eliseo), Dr. Vincente Callejo (Aurora), Rosa Callejo de las Alas (late Jorge), and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Rosita Beltran (late Leonardo), Rosario Laigo, Vergilio Matilla (Lydia) and Regalado Matilla (Maria). He is also survived by his beloved nieces and nephews: Rosanna de las Alas, Eric Callejo (Arabella), Annette Callejo Faessler (Cooper), Cathy Callejo, Jorge de las Alas, Jr., Jose de las Alas, Jaime de las Alas, Estrella Trinidad, Antonio Eclevia, Maria Eclevia, Myla Le (Khoa) and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bartola Esmele and Vincente Callejo; his sister, Corazon Callejo; and brother, Antonio Callejo; as well as his Great-Uncle, Faustino Esmele Eclevia (late Catalina). He is also survived by a host of relatives all over the world and many friends within the Filipino community of New Orleans, as well as many former colleagues. He enjoyed life to the fullest, and he will always be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will fondly be remembered in our hearts as our “Lolo Pop”!
Visitation and Service will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at St. Catherine of Siena, 105 Bonnabel Blvd. in Metairie, LA. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the service will begin at 1:00 p.m. Please be sure to practice social distancing and wear a mask while in the church. To view the Livestream of the Mass, please go to St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church website, www.scschurch.com, and click on the tab, Live Stream.
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