Cezar Balan Salonga, lovingly known as "Zar or Ezak" was born on April 10, 1950. He passed away peacefully at home on February 16, 2026. He was 75 years old.

Born and raised in Orani, Bataan, Philippines, he was raised in a close-knit family as one of ten children to Dionisio Sr. and Victoria Salonga. From an early age, Cezar learned the value of family, faith, hard work, and resilience - values he carried with him throughout his life.

In June 1972, Cezar came to the United States and settled in San Francisco. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1972 to 1974 and continued in the U.S. Navy Reserves until 1976. Following his military service, he built a dedicated career as a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service in San Leandro, where he faithfully served his community for 35 years until he retired in 2015.

On January 1, 1973, Cezar married the love of his life, Alicia. They shared 53 beautiful years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, devotion, and family. After living in San Francisco and San Jose, they eventually settled in Vallejo, which they called home for 38 years. Together they raised three children - Lezlie (married to Jason Ho), Brian, and Cheryl (married to Joseph Bautista). In 2017, Cezar and Alicia moved to Phoenix to be closer to their daughter Lezlie and her family.

Cezar was a proud and devoted Papa to his grandsons Christopher/CJ (Bella), Darren (Mary), Jonathan, Jaylen (Hailey), Joshua, Jaden, and Lucas, and a loving Lolo to his great-grandsons Jace, Landon, Kai, Liam, and Raiden.

He enjoyed cooking, listening to music, tending to his garden, and cheering on his favorite teams - the San Francisco 49ers and the Golden State Warriors, to whom he was a die-hard and lifelong fan. Known as the life of the party with his hilarious jokes and stories, Cezar took pride in hosting family gatherings and holiday celebrations, welcoming everyone with warmth, laughter, and his incredible home-cooked dishes. His home was a place of joy, comfort, and togetherness.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dionisio Jr. and his sister, Caridad Gutierrez and will be greatly missed by his sisters, Dr. Fe Baje, Esperanza Banzon, Virginia Paulino, Cherry Eustaquio, Victoria Dazo; his brothers Serafin and Jose, along with their families and multiple nieces and nephews.

Cezar's legacy lives on;  in the love he gave, the family he cherished, and the many memories created around his table. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

We love you forever and always, Papa!

Service Information

A Visitation will be held for Cezar Balan Salonga on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Vaca Hills Chapel Funeral Home. A Rosary to be held at 5:00 P.M.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 9:30 A.M. at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 1791 Marshall Road, Vacaville, California.

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will follow on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, California.