We are sad to announce the passing of Fortunato "Nato" Gappi. Our beloved "Tatay" passed away–peacefully and surrounded by loved ones–on December 17, 2022 at the age of 83. He had been a resident of DuPont, Washington for 13 years. Born on October 14, 1939 in La Union, Philippines, he was the first of ten children. As the eldest sibling, Fortunato worked a variety of odd jobs to help support his family; he had been a farmer (as was his father before him), an auto mechanic (graduating from La Union School of Arts and Trades), and even a jeepney driver! In fact, it was during his stint as a construction foreman that at the age of 27 years old, Fortunato fell in love and married Estrella P. Posadas. They had four children together–identical twins Cecille and Faye, Edgar, and Efren. For 25 years, he diligently worked as a Procurement Officer in Saudi Arabia. As testament to his absolute devotion and love for family, his children report that, despite the job abroad, he has never missed a single birthday.

Fortunato's favorite pastimes included gardening, watching basketball on TV, and conferencing with friends on Facebook. As the family patriarch, he is known for his sense of duty and sacrifice, his profound generosity, and his penchant for routine; like clockwork, he would go to bed at 7 pm, wake up at 3 am, and go on his morning walk at 6 am–rinse and repeat every day without fail for the past few decades. A lifelong health advocate, his grandchildren have fond memories of growing up drinking his special veggie smoothies, and eating lovingly peeled apples and mangos. Overall, the culmination of Fortunato's efforts and actions has–without a doubt–lended itself to a man who has dedicated his entire life to fortifying those of his many family members, who cherished and depended on his staid and steady presence. He has been, and will continue to be, forever missed.

He is predeceased by his son Edgar, and his brothers Juanito, Ernesto, and Mariano Gappi. Additionally, he is survived by his wife Estrella, his children Cecille (and husband Silvestre), Faye (and husband Bailey), and Efren (and wife Blesshe), his siblings Bernardino, Perfecto, Olivia, Leon, Arsenia, Leticia, as well as his grandchildren Stacey, Lauren, Nate, Angelo, Czarina, Luigi, Pedro, John, and Clark.