• Tribute to Deanna Daclan Balantac and Cornelio (Corney) Pasquil

    It is with sadness that I devote this entire column to two dear friends, colleagues, and fellow members of the Bridge Generation who passed away since the last issue – Deanna Daclan Balantac and Cornelio (Corney) Pasquil. Their passing is an irreparable loss for the Filipino American community. They will be missed.

     

    Deanna Daclan Balantac
    February 23, 1937-July 28, 2012

    Deanna first worked as a nurse in 1959 and was in the profession until her untimely death in July. Much of her work in recent years was as a professor of nursing at California State University Sacramento where she served with distinction, earning the coveted “Nursing Caring Award” in 1990.

    Deanna was active with the Filipino communities in both San Joaquin and Sacramento Counties, particularly with the Associated Filipino Organizations (AFO) of San Joaquin County. As a charter member of AFO, she served as the first woman president of the organization as well a board member, parliamentarian, and chair of the education and scholarship committees. She also was active with the Filipino Catholic Society of Stockton and the Santa Nino Association. In 1994, Deanna was honored by the Filipino American National Historical Society with a VIP (Very Important Pinay) Award at its national conference in San Francisco.

    Deanna leaves her husband, Moreno, whom she wed in 1960, and their four children.

     

    Cornelio (Corney) Pasquil
    April 7, 1932 – September 17, 2012

    Corney passed away in Sacramento at the age of 80. He is survivedby Connie, his loving wife of 51 years, five children, and six grandchildren. Corney was born in Fort Riley, Kansas and participated in high school football at Junction City, Kansas where he lettered at quarterback. While still in high school he began playing jazz piano with a small band. After graduating from high school he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He received a BA degree from Kansas State University and earned a Masters of Social Work with honors at the University of Pennsylvania. Corney worked as a clinical social worker for Sacramento County for 20 years where he eventually rose to the position of Division Chief. Following his retirement, he served as adjunct professor of social work at California State University Sacramento, Director of Asian Community Counseling, and counselor at St. Patrick’s Home for Children.

    Corney was an accomplished jazz pianist and was also in high demand as an accompanist by many vocalists. He performed in various U.S. venues as well as in Manila, Philippines.

    Corney was involved in Filipino community events and organizations. He was a lifetime member of the Filipino American National Historical Society and was a regular attendee at biennial conferences of the organization throughout the country. He and his wife also founded the Pasquil-Rojas Nutrition Program in Siquijor Province, Philippines.