Geronimo "Cesar" Gatbunton's Obituary
Geronimo “Cesar” Gatbunton passed away peacefully in University Place on February 12,
2023.
Born on September 30, 1941, the second of five children to Saturnino and Emiliana
Gatbunton in Pasig Rizal, Philippines. The family moved to Okinawa, Japan, then New York
where Cesar graduated from Curtis High School. After high school, while attending business
school Cesar met, fell in love with, and married Martha Fernandez Fondeur of Santo
Domingo, DR. The two moved to Washington to build a home, raise their family, and be near
Cesar’s parents and siblings who had settled there already.
Cesar is preceded in death by the love of his life, Martha, his parents and Kuya, eldest brother, Fort (Cora). He is survived by his children, Rita (Phillip), Paula (Jim), and Cesar (Leah); his grandchildren, Matthew, Rachel, Alexandra, Samantha, Hannah, and Bryce; siblings Benny (Jeannie), Terry (Rennie), and Roy (Janette), and numerous nieces and nephews.
We can’t talk about Dad without first sharing the love story between him and Mom. The two
dated while students in New York, when Mom returned home to the Dominican Republic,
Dad followed her there to ask for her hand and the two were married. One of Dad’s
predominant characteristics was his devotion and love for Mom, he truly adored her. The
two shared a marriage of 50 years, rooted in faith. Their dreams fulfilled with loving children
and grandchildren, a welcoming home, service to the Catholic Church, family gatherings,
fulfilling careers, potlucks, bowling leagues, road trips, cruises, and getaways to various time
share locations. Dad’s dedication to mom never wavered; he truly loved her through thick
and thin, in sickness and in health.
Dad put his business school training into practice at Pay n’ Save. Working his entire
professional career with the company, he managed multiple stores over the years and
people genuinely loved working with and for him.
While Dad worked hard, he loved to play as well. A true Gatbunton, Dad had a love for music
that ran deep in his soul. He was an accomplished musician playing multiple instruments in
school and with his brothers, Fort & Benny in their band, The Mystics; and in his last years
he took great pleasure in listening to music while singing and clapping along.
Playing cards was also a staple in his life. For more years than can be counted Dad had FNP
(Friday Night Poker). The men around that table became family as for years Dad attended
that card game as religiously on Friday as church on Sunday.
Anyone who knew Dad knew his sense of humor. He told Dad jokes before they were called
Dad jokes. His quick way of being “punny” was one of his many endearing qualities and he
could always be counted on for a story or joke to make you laugh or chuckle (or groan…).
One thing Dad did not joke about was his pride in every accomplishment by his children and
grandchildren. He would proudly don school colors, display accolades earned, and really
loved opportunities to watch them in action.
This pride and affection reached well beyond the family tree. Dad was unselfish with his love
and many looked up to him as a beloved father figure, Ninong, and Padrino. These
relationships were equally cherished by Dad and he happily embraced the part he could play
in others’ lives.
Dad truly found joy in simple things: being Papa, time with family, hosting happy hour,
delicious food on the table, a drink with his Compadres, a great Seahawks or Mariners win.
To the end of his days, people fondly described him as easy going, grateful, and genuinely
full of joy.
Dad was truly blessed and thankful beyond measure for all of the incredible individuals who
cared for him on his journey. Words cannot express the depths of our gratitude.
Dad’s passing is a tremendous loss. He modeled for us the importance of working hard,
being dedicated to family, and being thankful every day. His deeply loving marriage, respect
for his parents, close bonds with his siblings, and steadfast faith are examples of things we
can all hope for and are lessons that will live on in each of us.
A memorial gathering will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home, Celebration of Life Center
on Thursday, March 2, 2023, 3:00pm Viewing, 4:30pm Rosary followed by remembrances.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 3, 2023 at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic
Church in Lakewood, 11:00am, followed by interment and reception at Mountain View. Music was such a important part of Dad's life. Donations may be made in his name to Ted Brown Music Outreach www.tbmoutreach.org.
What’s your fondest memory of Geronimo?
What’s a lesson you learned from Geronimo?
Share a story where Geronimo's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Geronimo you’ll never forget.
How did Geronimo make you smile?