If we compare ones life to a book, I knew uncle Sonny for the last third. I think that's the best part. He was in a good place professionally. He was in a loving marriage.  He was able to see his children grow up to be wonderful adults. And most importantly, he was able to spend time with his 5 beautiful grandchildren. I can't imagine a more fulfilling last chapter to ones life than knowing the everlasting impression you've made as a loving husband, a supportive father and a proud grandfather. To many of us he was much more. Uncle Sonny has impressed upon me to ALWAYS do things the right way. He was a pillar of integrity, sincerity and generosity. You will forever be missed and never forgotten. 
With deep admiration and love,
Tony, Nancy, Morgan and Mason.

My story about Tito Sonny is a familiar one. I am grateful beyond words to him and his entire family for their generosity and kindness over the years. Like Tito Joe Tandoc’s experience, our family also stayed with The Ilona Tansiongcos when we first arrived from the Philippines. My name was always included in the birthday cakes for Tito Sonny and Karen.  When he worked in Dallas, Tito Sonny traveled out of his way to pick me up & drop me back to College Station so I can spend weekends in Houston during my freshman year in college. Tito Sonny helped me buy my first car.  I know that their Ilona house and its circular kitchen table were a source of pride for Tito Sonny. From here he sat me down and gave me many, many life lectures. From here we all celebrated life -- sometimes with a small group, sometimes with a whole lot more. I remembered him telling me once that I can cut spam slices a little thicker; there’s a lot more in the pantry. Spam shouldn’t be see-through, he said. There are tons of pictures where we are laughing, sharing, and caring for one another around this kitchen table. That’s the atmosphere he and Tita Deorie have cultivated over the years. Friends were treated as family and family members were treated as friends. Tito Sonny’s legacy lives on. We are witnesses to that same generosity in spirit in Mark, Chris, and Karen. My story is a familiar one. You or someone you know has probably benefitted from Tito Sonny’s helping hands. His life has rippled throughout ours.

Rest in Peace, Tito Sonny.

Lolo Sonny had such a contagious laughter. Loved by many. He was a kind and generous family man who I aspire to be like one day. Rest in paradise Lolo Sonny! Thank you for all that you've done for me and my family. You will be forever missed! @}--- <3

Have known Sonny since he was a young man in the Philippines for more than 50 years. He has that pleasant and friendly disposition quick to help in many ways. We still remember him the very first time we moved to Houston in 1976 when he picked us up at the airport as we did not know anyone living in Houston then. He was generous enough to have him and Deorie let us stay at their place for several days until our first house was finished in Houston. A very good person we have known and will miss !
May he Rest In Peace in God’s loving arms!