Restituto Casimero

A long life, well lived. Restituto C. Casimero, 90, entered into eternal peace and rest as his wife and daughter held his hands on February 19, 2010. Born December 9, 1919 in Iloilo City, Philippines, he was the youngest son of the late Felipe and Tomasa Casimero. At the age of 22, he volunteered for military service during World War II with USAFFE in 1941, assisting in the investigation of POWs. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1946. A month later, he enlisted in the Philippine Scouts, Army of the United States where he served as Quartermaster. He was honorably discharged in 1949 with the rank of Corporal. Following the war, he finished college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, majoring in Business Administration while clerking in the accounting division of the Treasurers office in Iloilo City. He later resigned and went on to travel to Davao City where he started as a life underwriter with Great Pacific Life Assurance Corporation. Upon promotion, he went to General Santos City where he pioneered and organized the sales force for this branch. This is where he met the love of his life, Nilda, and married her in 1978. He eventually retired as a Supervisor in 1987. At the same time, he also started working for College Assurance Plan and retiring from this company in February of 1992. While in General Santos City in early 1960s, he petitioned Mt. Matutum Lodge #156 Free and Accepted Masons, initiated in 1962 and became Master Mason in 1963. He was conferred 4 - 32 in 1974 and served as a Master of the Lodge in 1976. In 1990, he was invested Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, at the Supreme Council in Manila, Philippines. He was served as Secretary of the Lodge for several years, retiring on February 15, 1992. The following day, he took a plane ride bound for the United States, becoming an American citizen that year. Two years later, his wife, daughter, and son joined him in Dallas, TX. A declared and designated Life Member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, he became an affiliated member of the Mesquite Lodge #928. He enjoyed reading, hunting, playing his harmonica, riding his motorcycle (during his younger years,) singing his and his wifes favorite song - Sweet Mystery of Life in the shower, exercising and writing letters to his friends all over the world. He was also a member of Mensa. Rusty, as he is fondly called, is survived here in Texas by his loving wife Nilda; daughter Nires Amor; son Reni; niece Majella Casimero; granddaughters MarieJoy Weems and MarieClaire McKenzie, great- grandson Layne Weems and great-granddaughters Meillah McKenzie, Mayah McKenzie, and Addison Weems. He truly was a man of outstanding character and high ideals. His infectious laugh, captivating smile and precious memories will be forever cherished by his family, friends, and Masonic brothers. In lieu of flowers donations may be made toward the arrangements for for Mr. Casimero.