Marcelo Tiotangco Ladia, Sr. age 82, of Ledyard, passed away Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was born August 30, 1941 in Malolos Bulacan Philippines, son of the late Buenaventura Ladia and Raymunda Tiotangco-Ladia. He served in the US Navy, Petty Officer First Class and was honorably discharged in 1980 after 20 years of active service. He then went on to a second career at General Dynamics/Electric Boat retiring in 2013 after 30 years.
He was a longtime member of Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church in Gales Ferry. Outside of his faith, he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, cooking traditional Filipino dishes for his family and friends, and was a big fan of UConn Women’s Basketball. He took special joy in supporting several organizations including those which serve disabled veterans. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He will always be fondly remembered as Pop-Pop to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and as a man of hard work, integrity, and commitment to family.
He is predeceased by his beloved wife Helen (1991) and his son Marcelo, Jr. (2016). He is survived by his children Mike Arias (Sarah) of Los Angeles, Jim Farrales (Christine) of Madison, Marci Ladia Heroux of Groton, daughter-in-law Tisha Ladia of Mystic, and Marcus Ladia (Danielle) of Oakdale. He was the proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Marcelo is also survived by many nephews and nieces in the Philippines, as well as in the U.S. including his niece, Beth Limpiado of Long Island City, who was a special part of his life.
His family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday morning, November 25, 2023 beginning at 9:30am at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic followed by a funeral procession to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1650 Route 12 in Gales Ferry for a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 noon. Burial with full military honors will follow in Ledyard Center Cemetery, Route 117, Ledyard.