Arthur Elpa

In Loving Memory of Arthur Coronado Elpa

Beloved Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend

1964 – 2025

With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the passing of Arthur Coronado Elpa,

affectionately known as Art, who left this world peacefully at the age of 61 in his home in Jersey

City, New Jersey, surrounded by the family he so deeply cherished.

Born in 1964 in Manila, Philippines, to Lourdes Coronado Elpa and Domingo Blas Elpa, Art

was the youngest of five siblings — Anita (Anie), Domingo Jr. (Bobby), Alexander (Alex),

and Percival (ChoCho). From a young age, his life was guided by two unwavering pillars: faith

and family. These values would continue to shape every chapter of his life.

Art was a man of quiet strength — soft-spoken, reserved at first glance, yet full of humor, wit,

and warmth once you knew him. His personality was laced with clever puns, quirky jokes, and a

kind-hearted nature that made people feel truly seen and loved. He was, in every sense of the

word, a true family man.

In 1982, while attending the University of Santo Tomas, Art met the love of his life, Joyce

Cruz Elpa. Together, they built a partnership rooted in faith, trust, and unconditional support.

They married in 1988, began their life together in worship and love, and soon welcomed their

first son, Jan Arthur Cruz Elpa (Joey), in 1991.

A dedicated and talented Civil Engineer, Art began his professional career at MWSS, which

later transitioned into Manila Water in Quezon City. In 2002, driven by a desire to provide a

better life for his family, Art made the courageous decision to immigrate to the United States.

Joyce joined him a few months later, and the following year, their family was joyfully reunited

with the arrival of their firstborn, Joey, and the birth of their second son, Jan Amon Cruz Elpa

(Amon) — a moment that made their family whole once again.

In the U.S., Art continued his engineering career, first with Mega Engineering, and later with

Weidlinger Associates, which eventually merged with Thornton Tomasetti in 2015. He

remained a valued member of the team until his final days, respected for his dedication,

expertise, and humble spirit.

But Art’s most cherished titles were not professional — they were husband, father, and

grandfather. He was the rock of his family, supporting Joyce through nursing school, putting

both of his sons through college, and celebrating every milestone with deep pride. In 2019, Art

welcomed Sarah Saleh into the family when his son Joey married the love of his life. Two years

later, Art experienced his greatest joy with the birth of his granddaughter, Emma Elpa — his

beloved “Apo,” who lit up his world.

When he wasn’t working or spending time with family, Art found happiness in life’s simple

pleasures: collecting Star Wars memorabilia, building intricate LEGO sets, adding to his

collection of car and airplane replicas, and gardening with the love of his life, Joyce. Yet, his

true passion was always his family — especially the time spent laughing, playing, and bonding

with Emma.

Though his time on Earth was shorter than we had hoped, Art’s impact was immeasurable. He

lived with grace, humility, and unwavering love. His legacy lives on in the lives he helped build,

the family he fiercely protected, and the joy he brought to every room he entered.

As we mourn his passing, we find comfort in knowing he is now reunited in eternal peace with

his parents and other beloved family members who preceded him. Free from pain, he rests in

the embrace of our Lord, having lived a life full of purpose, love, and devotion.

Art will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His light continues to shine through the hearts of

those who knew and loved him.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23