In Loving Memory

Don Morato Morco (1942 - 2026)

Don Morato Morco, 83, of Fairfield, California passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. Born Adonis Morato Morco on June 14, 1942 in Camalig, Albay, Philippines to Ramon M. Morco and Felicidad N. Morato, he immigrated to the United States and legally changed his name from Adonis, meaning exceptionally beautiful man, to the more modest and humble Don.

Don was like many first generation immigrants, who came to America with the simple hope of a better life — not just for himself, but for those he cared about the most. Family has always been his number one priority. He didn’t stop until he had brought his mother, his wife, and several of his siblings to the states as well. Throughout his life, Don always made sure that the people he loved were taken care of right until the end.

He built his career as a chemical engineer, but everyone knew him best through his other pursuits: early mornings spent birdwatching or painting, passing afternoons with quirky instruments or listening to classic oldies, and a tendency to fall asleep in front of the TV with the remote still in his hand. Don was a man of many words. He often wrote in greeting cards with prose that made Hallmark look like amateurs. His speeches were always carefully crafted, and his stories always energetically told with such gusto. His sense of humor was equally as large as his heart. He always said laughter was the best medicine, a quote that he would say Reader’s Digest borrowed from him.

He was the unofficial official photographer of every family function. He may not have always been the most flattering photographer, but he was a faithful one, capturing everything from major milestones to the most mundane Mondays. He had a particular fondness for sending the “occasional” photo dump or email slideshow, lovingly assembled, liberally photoshopped, and sent anyway knowing that most of us wouldn’t open them right away. He only minded a little bit, but he always said they would be there waiting for us whenever we needed them, and he was right.

Don is survived by his wife of 41 years, Caroline Diño Morco; his daughters, Sharleen and Samantha; his sons-in-law, Nicholas and Jonathan; and his granddaughter, Sophie – his treasured “apo” as he always called her, in Filipino tradition.

Services and burial will be by invitation only. Don will be laid to rest at All Souls Cemetery in Vallejo, California, near other family members who preceded him including his brother Aniceto M. Morco, his sister-in-law Luciana G. Morco, and his cousin, Armando A. Morato. The family asks that in the meantime, you dig out any photos Don sent you – blurry, over-saturated, or otherwise – and hold onto them. Better yet, share them. We have set up a space where family and friends are welcome to contribute photos, memories and stories. [ https://photos.app.goo.gl/La5KwFxZvGaSF8iM7 ] Remember the good times and cherish those you hold dear. He would have wanted you to.