Louie Philip Caballero
March 7, 1930 - January 28, 2024
Louie Philip Caballero passed away peacefully on January 28, 2024 at his home in Walnut Creek, California surrounded by family. He was born on March 7, 1930 in Manila, Philippines to his parents Felipe and Helen. Fluent in Tagalog, Spanish, and English, Lou was of Spanish, Asian, and Greek descent. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, he is survived by his wife Inga; sons Philip and Lou; daughter Susanne; daughters-in-law Sandra and Addy; grandchildren Anton, Largo, Leah, Laird, and Dylan; and his nieces and nephews in the U.S., Australia, and the Philippines. In heaven he joins his parents and his siblings Despina, Leticia, Theodore, Asuncion, Nenita, and Lucas.
Lou lost his father at a young age and later as a boy served as a spotter for the Philippine guerrilla fighters during the Japanese occupation in World War II. The challenges he endured early in life helped form his spirit of appreciation. After the war Lou and his mother sailed to Australia to reunite with family and join relatives who had emigrated from Greece. Eventually they settled in Adelaide, South Australia. He traveled throughout the vast countryside of Australia as a salesman and loved his adopted home. In 1966 he traveled to San Francisco to visit his sisters and it was there that he met his future wife, Inga. The couple was married in 1968 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Lou and Inga lived in San Francisco and Adelaide before returning to San Francisco in 1973. In 1977 they moved to Walnut Creek.
Lou was a devout parishioner of St. John Vianney Catholic Church who took tremendous joy in the parish community and serving the Lord.
Lou was known as a Gentleman from a bygone era, a true “Caballero”. Always dapper in his trademark suit and bowtie, he worked in the men’s couture fashion industry in San Francisco. He was a creative man of many talents who enjoyed working around the house, building things, telling stories, sparking a laugh, listening to others, fishing, watching horseracing, cooking, drawing, learning about history, following Bay Area sports teams, and listening to Frank Sinatra. His greatest joys in life included his daily long walks with his love Inga; pushing strollers of and playing with his grandchildren through the years; hosting his children, grandchildren, family, and friends at home; and visiting loved ones in Australia. Lou was always eager to share a smile, help others, and bring positivity and support to friends and new acquaintances from all walks of life. He grew sweeter each year.
Lou now shines on us all from heaven. Thank you, God, for the amazing gift you have given us in him.
A mass will be held for Lou on his birthday March 7th at 10:30am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Walnut Creek, with a reception to follow at the parish Mullen Commons.