Ray T Garcillano

Ray Thrower Garcillano, 52, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

He was born October 4, 1971, in Cebu City, Philippines, the son of Manuel "Noli" and Virginia (Thrower) Garcillano. He graduated from Balboa High School in San Francisco in 1989. He participated in the ROTC program for 4 years as a colonel and won the Liberty Bell in 1989. He later attended San Francisco State University where he majored in elementary education.

Ray was most recently employed by Stormont Vail Building Blocks Child Care for 2 years. He was known for giving "His littles" gummy bears for going potty in the big potty. He was awarded Person of the Moment in July of 2023 after being nominated by the parents of the Building Block kids.

Mr. Garcillano was a member of the Fellowship Bible Church, of Topeka. He and Jessica have received much love and support from their Rooted Group and the church.

Ray married Vee Senires in 2000. They later divorced and remained friends. In 2018, Ray met Jessica Zahn playing an online game and the two were married on February 23, 2024 in Topeka. She survives.

Other survivors include daughter, Toribia "Tori" Rose Senires Garcillano, son, Antonin Bennett Johnson, father, Noli Garcillano, brothers, Roy (Diana), Rene, and Rico (Arlene) Garcillano, 7 nieces and nephews, his parents-in-love, Ron & Sandra Hill and Martin Zahn plus Jessica's family who love him dearly, and dogs Winston & Maxine.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia, daughter, Isabella "Izzy" Senires Garcillano, grandparents, William & Fely Thrower, and Leonardo & Clara Garcillano, and his beloved dogs, Hunter & Odie.

Ray was a diehard Packer Backer! He was a maker of great gameday appetizers and Filipino Cuisine and loved a good glass of scotch. Ray was a kid magnet in school, family events, and public outings. He had the ability to make everyone feel like they were the most special and important person in the room. He made everyone laugh, always with kindness! When Ray moved to Kansas, he embraced the family farm life, bravely working cattle, and enjoying fresh garden herbs.

Ray's wishes were for cremation. A memorial ceremony will be held at 3:00 P.M., Saturday March 23, 2024 at Dove Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka. Celebration of Life will be held following the service at Lake Shawnee Event Center, 3025 SE Croco Rd, Topeka. Ray's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service. Interment of the cremated remains will be held 1:00 P.M., Monday March 25, 2024 at Mt. Sidney, 19228 Golden Road, Linwood, Kansas 66052.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the education fund for Ray's children, Tori and Antonin. Make checks to the "Ray T. Garcillano Memorial Education Fund".

To share a memory of Ray or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.