Wilfredo De Leon Esguerra

Some lives shine so brightly that their light lingers long after they’re gone. Wilfredo De Leon Esguerra was one such soul—a man whose journey was defined by resilience, unshakable faith, and boundless love.

Born on June 9, 1954 in the bustling streets of Tondo, Manila to Jose “Pepe” Esguerra and Felicidad “Fely” De Leon, Wilfredo was the second of nine siblings. Wilfredo also goes by Wilfred, Freddy and even later in life Ka Willy. As a child, he was frail and often ill, but he refused to let his health define him. Instead, he turned to books, immersing himself in learning while nurturing a quiet strength that would guide him throughout his life.

Despite his early challenges, Wilfred blossomed in his youth. In high school, he didn’t just survive—he excelled. He ran track, led his class as president, and earned a physics award and became scholar, that opened the door to a prestigious university in the Philippines. He was proof that with faith and perseverance, anything was possible.

Willy’s life took a transformative turn when he journeyed to America for work and met Vivian Endique in Long Beach, California. The two married , they raised three children—and created countless beautiful memories. After 27 years of marriage, Vivian “finished her race,” and Wilfred continued on, leaning on his faith in God to carry him forward.

In time, God blessed Willy with another great love. He met Jesselle Baquir De Guia, whose warmth and compassion brought light back into his life. Jesselle’s family embraced Willy as one of their own, and together they built a bond that was as strong as it was tender. Willy and Jesselle traveled the world together—They became real estate agents, built a life of hard work and service, and devoted themselves to the Church of Christ. Their love was a partnership rooted in faith and a shared commitment to making every moment meaningful.

For the majority of his life, Willy faithfully served the Church of Christ as a deacon and Head Deacon in the Long Beach Congregation to being the first Deacon for the Carson Congregation.

His leadership was instrumental in establishing in finding a larger place of worship in the Bixby Knolls area for the Long Beach Congregation and helped establish and pioneer of the Carson Congregation - a legacy to which he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his brothers and sisters in faith. Willy was not one to seek recognition—his humility spoke louder than words, and his service inspired countless others.

In the last decade of his life, Willy faced his greatest challenge: renal cancer. Through it all, Jesselle stayed by his side, helping him make the most of the time they had. She encouraged him to fulfill his wishes, from traveling together to celebrating his 70th birthday—a moment where Willy was surrounded by love and joy, a reminder of how deeply he was cherished.

Like King Hezekiah, Willy prayed for God’s mercy, and God granted him several more years of life. During this time, he continued to create memories with his family and inspire those around him with his courage and faith. Even as the cancer returned, Willy remained a fighter, his unwavering spirit shining until the end.

On the day God called him to rest on November 21, 2024, Willy was surrounded by love. He passed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that cannot be measured in time but in the lives he touched. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jesselle De Guia Esguerra; his three children (Jodick, Fredwilliam with his wife Natasha, and Joy with her husband Shaun); four grandchildren (William, Harper, Axel and Enzo); and countless family members and friends. His memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, especially within the Iglesia Ni Cristo/Church of Christ, where his faith and service will never be forgotten.

Willy’s life was not without its trials, but it was also filled with triumphs that came from his unyielding trust in God. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend, a mentor, and a servant of God. Above all, he was a man who lived with purpose, loved without condition, and fought every battle with faith in his heart.

Those who loved him will always remember his quiet strength, his gentle wisdom, and his enduring faith. Wilfred De Leon Esguerra’s life may have ended, but his light will never fade.