OBITUARY 

Pastor Sofronio Gemoto returned to his heavenly home on July 22, 2015. He was surrounded by family and friends committed in prayer and song. He was 84 years old.

Sofronio was born to the late Eulogio and Simeona Gemoto, a sugar cane farmer and homemaker respectively, in Salong Kabankalan, Negro Occidental, Philippines on December, 8 1930. He was immersed in the Christian community that would be his lifelong support from an early age. After several years as a distinguished accountant for Camp Aguinaldo he received God’s call to ministry.

Sofronio was blessed with a loving and devoted family. He married his best friend and fellow follower in Christ, Leonor Martinez, on May 31, 1965 in Manila, Philippines. In 1975, Sofronio and Leonor moved to the United States. Sofronio would eventually receive his Masters of Divinity at Trinity Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1988.

In 1979 they moved to Chicago where his life’s mission to spread the beauty of the gospel would begin. From 1979 to 1981 Pastor Gemoto pastored the Fil-American Baptist Church. In October 1981, Sofronio founded Christ Our Savior Church. What began as a modest group of 20 parishioners blossomed to hundreds upon his retirement in 2001. Christ Our Savior continues to thrive to this day.

Pastor Gemoto would be remembered for his zest for life and spirited sermons. He woke up everyday with an appreciation for God’s teachings and was forever astounded by the beauty of all beings and environments. Friends and family could always count on Paster Gemoto and his wife for encouragement, unconditional support and acceptance.

In addition to his illustrious career, Sofronio was an avid fisher of men, fisherman, traveler, and gardener. He spent several hours during the spring and summer months tending to his own Garden of Eden. Never was a harvest not plentiful where he didn’t have enough to share God’s edible creations with friends and family.

Sofronio is survived by his wife, Leonor; his brother Igmedio; and his sister Ramona. He is preceded in death by his brothers Porfirio and Anselmo; his sisters Maxima, Albina and Jorette; and his parents. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator.

A wake will be held at Drake & Son Funeral Home (5303 N. Western Ave., Chicago IL) on Friday, July 24th from 4-9 PM. A memorial service will be held Saturday July 25th at Drake & Son at 10 AM, followed by his internment at the Rose Hill Cemetery. Following the internment, there will be a reception at American Home Care (6421 N. Hamlin Ave., Lincolnwood IL). Pastor Guimary will officiate the service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Sofronio’s life. Prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted on this site. 


MEMORIAL PHOTO TRIBUTE 

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