Larry Pascua
Gosh where do( tears) I even begin to share the generosity of these two Mentors,Dr. Phil and His partner and life- partner Loren; I start with these words: humility and passion. Whether the fun Oscar parties they through for thirty six years of my life,to some of the gorgeous drumming and singing the couple did at Temple United Methodist church ( and I’m sure other churches they were a part of,and a church family of)they both seem to carry the light, love and Spark to lives they’ve touched. Incidentally, when I lost my job,and was between insurances Dr. Phil took me in as a day- patient looking at a stubbed toe because I confided I was diabetic and my mom and Dad are too. He said, “ Larry just come in, I’ll trim your toenails and take a look at that stub toe for you”. From ( tears) that simple, humbling act I knew he earned his Angels wings. And so did the sweet singing voice of Loren. Everytime our dear,passionate Loren would sing, it would melt our hearts and it encouraged me to play the piano more passionately.Oracle employees would also say Loren’s phD and her Ted Talks,not only transformed their lives in the tech world, but also their personal relationships with people. Her ideas shaped some of the innovations we reap now as a society,and moving towards the many advancements into our future. But most importantly the role of Mom and friend and Dad to his daughter Katie and Son Philip the third, outshone all these career achievements. At their Foster city/ San Mateo warm house, there was laughter and music, and joy,and obvious love. The Oscar parties and Award show was fun because Loren would tally the votes and give us all prices and great candy, just for joining in to fill in or guess the most correct results of the Academy Awards. One time,I teased our great Loren, and said, “ if I get an Oscar one day, I’ll thank our little party watching at this house,and mention you and Dr. Philip for all your love and ways of having us so kindly every year. Thank you for hosting probably the best Academy Awards party in the World. We had great Italian and Filipino food, but the friendships are lasting a lifetime. “ Loren smiled that sweet smile! And even if this wish will not ever come true, or might: I am glad I had a good sense of humour to mention it at that time. And Loren and Dr. Phil hugged me. These two also loved going to their children’s events like Phil’s Eagle Scout and Boy Scout events, I witnessed this as a I was Pianist and Assistant Music Director at Hillsdale United Methodist. Philip would be involved in his son’s Eagle Scout and Boy Scout projects like working side by side, building homes for Habitat for Humanity. They also attend Scout Sundays at our church. It’s so good to see Son and Dad bond and have that courage together,widely displayed. And gosh, for Katie,both parents were so proud when she earned her Doctorate in Music. They both beamed with pride saying it at our Oscar’s party, with the love and humility that goes with being a parent seeing their children achieve Academic successes and Phil, an RN- Registered Nurse. Thank you Dr. Phil for touching my life and my mom Rosie’s. ( Side note:My mom,also an LVN would see Dr. Phil at the elevators, happenstance,at Seton in the 1990s when he’s on his way to see his Podiatrist clients and patients. Knowing them at Temple Church Music ministry transformed and shaped my Music career, these days.) Dr. Phil- your passion and excellent dedication to medicine also encouraged me to be in Nursing and Caregiving for Dementia clients. Thank you for all the excellent drumming you did, for introducing Lisa Mahon, Loren’s sister to me and husband Geri, which I will never forget I’ve sang my very first Wedding gig- solo at 12. The song was “ Our love is here to stay”. With that, I know you both are reunited now in Heaven! Loren, thank you for loving Dr. Phil with your whole heart and Phil thank you for taking care of Loren as well! In Academia we say,” Intelligence is nothing without love”. These two embodied love, throughout their span of lifetime with the Music that flows through their humbleness,and dedication to their careers. This is also reflected to their greatest legacy: Dr. Kate and Nurse Philip. Always in our hearts Dr. Philip Sanfilippo and Loren Mahon SanFilippo! Your courage and generosity and humility lives on in our Hearts and the countless lives you’ve touched. 💕
