William N. Magallanes

William N. Magallanes passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, in Springfield, Virginia at the age of 96. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Aurora Calayag Magallanes, of Springfield, Virginia; three children, Maria Cecilia “Maricel” Magallanes Light (Louis) of Little Rock, Arkansas, Gerald William Magallanes of Lorton, Virginia, and Ferdinand William Magallanes (Dawn) of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland; five grandchildren whom he absolutely adored, Hannah Magallanes O’Reilly (Sean) of Richmond, Virginia, Allison Light of New York City, Halle Magallanes of Pasadena, Maryland, Miah Magallanes of Dunkirk, Maryland, and Ty William Magallanes of Chesapeake Beach Maryland; a great-grandchild-to-be; brothers Adolfo Magallanes of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines and Enrile Magallanes (Entang) of Winipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and sister Luz Magallanes of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. William was born in Naujuan Province in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines on March 27, 1929. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfonso Magallanes, Sr. and Consolación Magallanes, brothers Alfonso Magallanes, Jr., Rolando Magallanes, Cesar Magallanes, brothers-in-law Nicanor Zalamia and Orlando Castro. He was succeeded in death by his sister-in-law, Louisa Calayag Zalamia who passed away on March 10, 2026. He cherished his sister-in-law Teresita Calayag Castro of Vancouver, B.C. and his nephew Sonny Magallanes of Los Angeles, California and their families. He studied law and graduated from the University of Santo Tomas, Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines in the early 1950s. He married Aurora Bonilla Calayag on December 27, 1959, and he and his bride lived in Makati, Manila until 1972 when the family emigrated to the United States. They settled in the Northern Virginia area where they raised their young family with the loving support of Louisa and Nicanor Zalamia, Aurora’s sister and brother-in-law, along with many friends. Once in Virginia, William worked for Dowty Rotol, now Dowty, an Aerospace Company, until retiring in the 1990s. He loved to read, especially about politics and world events. After he retired, he volunteered as a poll worker during elections. He loved history, especially World War II history, during which he lived. He was a hard worker and ingrained in his children a strong work ethic, love of family, and with his wife, Aurora, strong Catholic values. He loved being outdoors, tending to the yard and working on their cars at the family home in Springfield for as long as he lived there, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family and listening to his wife, Aurora, play the piano. Visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, March 25, at Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Dr., Alexandria, Virginia from 4-8 p.m. A combined Mass of Christian Burial for William and his sister-in-law, Louisa Calayag Zalamia, who passed away on March 10, 2026, will take place Thursday, March 26, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Raymond of Peňafort Catholic Church, 8750 Pohick Rd., Springfield, Virginia. Internment for William and Louisa will follow at Mt. Comfort Cemetery, 6600 S. Kings Hwy., Alexandria, Virginia, followed by a reception at St. Raymond of Peňafort Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Raymond of Peňafort Catholic Church, 8750 Pohick Road, Springfield, Virginia 22153.

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William N. Magallanes

March 27, 1929 - December 18, 2025