We honor the life of Este- a devoted Catholic, beloved husband, loving father and grandfather, accomplished metallurgical engineer, and respected professional leader.
Este was the son of Colonel Bartolome and Purificacion (nee Maniquiz) Gacad. A beloved husband of Harriette with whom he shared 54 years of love, faith, family, and cherished memories. A devoted father to their three daughters: Cel (Anthony), Ricca (Robert), and Ivy (Raul). He was a cherished “Lolo” to his grandchildren, Kythe and Lia, Malachi and Riley, Giancarlo and Matteo.
A proud graduate of the University of the Philippines, Este earned his Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering and pursued graduate studies in Metallurgical Engineering and Business Administration. He dedicated more than three decades to the Philippine steel and metallurgical industries. He served in senior leadership and consulting roles and contributed significantly to metallurgy, steelmaking, quality management, energy conservation, environmental management, and engineering education.
Este also served with distinction as Chairman of the Board of Metallurgical Engineering at the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission, where his guidance shaped the standards, ethics, and future of the profession. His work as a mentor, author, and regulator left a lasting impact on generations of engineers.
Among his many honors was the Ten Outstanding Energy Managers Award in 1986. His leadership in energy conservation also contributed to his organization’s Don Emilio Abello Outstanding Awards in 1992, 1993, and 1995, followed by the Don Emilio Abello Hall of Fame Award in 1996. He also received a Certificate of Recognition from the Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Product Standards, and a Letter of Commendation from the Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force.
Este was one of eight children. He is survived by his siblings Bart Jr. (Letty), Adela (Roy), Tony (Evelyn) and Lito (Cecil). He was preceded in death by Gerry+ (Lydia+), Lina+ (Eddie) and Romy+ (Nida).
Este will be remembered for his deep Catholic faith, intelligence, integrity, humility, dedication, and lifelong commitment to learning and service. While his professional accomplishments were many, his greatest source of pride was the family he loved so dearly.
He leaves behind a legacy that reaches across generations—not only through his professional contributions and accomplishments, but through the values he instilled in his children and grandchildren and the love he shared with his family.
His faith guided his life.
His family was his greatest blessing.
His work was his legacy.
His love will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
Service: Funeral from Kutis South County Chapel (5255 Lemay Ferry Road) on Saturday, October 10, 2026 9:30 AM for 10:00 AM Mass at St Joseph Catholic Church Imperial, Missouri to Kutis Crematory. Visitation on Friday, October 9 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. Interment at St Joseph Cemetery Tuesday, October 13 at 10:00 AM.
Hello Yette,
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and the entire Gacad family. May Boss Este’s soul rest in eternal peace.🙏🙏🙏
Thank you so much, Madison for your heartfelt condolences. Our mom and the whole Gacad family truly appreciate your thoughtfulness. Boss Este is at peace now, and knowing he is remembered with such respect brings comfort to us all.
Our deepest sympathy & condolences to the bereaved family of Este Gacad. Praying for the repose of his eternal soul. May he Rest in Peace! Prayers for comfort to Yette and her family.
Carmen thank you so much for your sincere condolences and prayers. Our mom and the whole Gacad family truly appreciate it.
We pray for Dad’s peaceful rest and for continued comfort for everyone who loved him. Your message means a lot to us.
Please know that my thoughts, love, and deepest sympathies are with you and the entire family during this painful time. Eternal rest grant unto Estefanio Gacad Oh Lord, and let your perpetual ligth shine upon him , May Estefanio rest in peace.
Sending you so much strength and love.With deepest sympathy,
Thank you, Tita Leslie for your deepest sympathies and prayers. On behalf of our mom and the Gacad family, we appreciate your comforting words for our dad, Estefanio. May he rest in peace. Your love and strength are truly felt.
My sincere condolences to the immediate family and the entire Gacad families.
Thank you, Edwin so much for your heartfelt sympathy. Our mom and the entire Gacad family deeply appreciate your kind words and prayers for us during this painful time.
Fair winds and following seas.
May the soul of Estefania Gacad Rest in Eternal Peace.
Silvestre, thank you so much for your thoughtful message. On behalf of our mom and the Gacad family, we are grateful for your prayers and for remembering Estefanio with such respect. May he rest in eternal peace.
Sending my deepest condolences to the entire Gacad family. I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to know Lolo and will always remember how kind and welcoming he was. His love for his family was so evident, and I know he will be deeply missed. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Thank you so much Sophia for your deepest condolences and for remembering Lolo with such kindness. On behalf of our mom and the entire Gacad family, we truly appreciate your love, prayers, and the beautiful way you honored him. His quiet presence, warmth and generosity touched so many, and knowing he made you feel welcomed means a lot to us. Thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts during this difficult time.
Uncle Eping lived a full life – may he rest in peace. Praying for God’s comfort, peace and strength for the Gacad family. Shalom shalom: perfect peace.
“Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted”. Matthew 5:4
– Jonathan “JJ” Gacad
JJ, thank you for being with us from day one of Dad’s healing journey all the way until his peaceful birth into eternal life. Your presence, your prayers, and your steadfast love have been a true blessing to our family.
We are forever grateful.
Dad lived a full and meaningful life — may he rest in God’s perfect peace. We continue to pray for comfort, strength, and unshakeable peace over the entire Gacad family. Shalom shalom: perfect peace.