Danilo Miranda Oncena (Dan, Lolo) recently passed away after a courageous battle with the head trauma he sustained from an accidental fall. He was a great father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend who touched many lives with his affectionate leadership and social involvement.
Danilo was born in Manila, Philippines. He graduated from the University of the East in the Philippines with a Master's Degree in Electronics Engineering. He and his family immigrated to the United States in 1968 and they lived in Chicago, Illinois. He became a U.S. citizen six years later. He worked for Siemens Medical Laboratories in Rosemont, IL and later transferred to Walnut Creek, CA. He then moved his family to Pittsburg, California in 1977. In 1978, Danilo became one of the pioneer heart transplant recipients at Stanford University Medical Center and after recovering, he continued to work and raise his family. In 2005, Danilo had another heart transplant. This time he recovered more quickly and went back to work for Siemens until he retired in 2006.
He loved playing poker with his friends and relatives. He enjoyed singing and playing his guitar and ukulele. His fun spirit and love for sports will be missed by many, especially at parties and family gatherings.
Danilo is survived by his children Ed Oncena (Carleen), Joe Oncena, Frances Santelises (Jerry), Daniel Oncena (Claudia), his seven grandchildren Frankie, Victoria, Jonathan, Jazmine, Mohamed, Angel, Salma and a multitude of cousins, nieces & nephews. He is also survived by his brother, Cesar Oncena (Cynthia) and his sisters Mila Marzo (Dante) and Teresita Almarines (Dexter), all in the Philippines. He was preceded in death by his wife Violeta Oncena, his son Fidel "Freedy" Oncena, his parents Fidel & Purificacion Oncena and his sister Nelita Oncena.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Monday, September 23, 2019 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm with a vigil at 6:00pm at the Pittsburg Funeral Chapel. Funeral liturgy Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at 11:00am at Our Lady Queen of the World Church in Bay Point. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the CAHP Widows and Orphans Trust Fund at www.thecahp.org/donate