Edgar Patrick Alcantara

Edgar Patrick Alcantara, loving husband, devoted son, supportive brother, and loyal friend, passed away on July 12, 2021, at the age of 64.

A man of many gifts, “Edgar” or “Gary”, as he was fondly addressed by family, friends, and colleagues worked hard to develop his talents, and harness them in the service of others.

Born in Davao City, Philippines on October 3, 1956, Edgar was raised by his parents to value hard work and discipline. His family moved shortly thereafter to Metro Manila, where Edgar attended Don Bosco High School. He graduated as class salutatorian, showing great interest and promise in the field of mathematics.

In 1976, he earned a degree in Applied Math from De La Salle University. Five years later, he was admitted as Fellow of the Actuarial Society of the Philippines, while working as Assistant Vice President at Great Pacific Life. It was here that Edgar met Aimee, the woman he married, the sharer of his many dreams.

After three years in Singapore working for Ayala Investments, Edgar pursued his MBA at the University of Chicago in 1990. After his graduation, and his subsequent admission as Fellow of the Society of Actuaries in the United States, he was recruited by Mercer Investments, LLC, where he was a Principal at the time of his passing.

None of Edgar’s achievements would have been possible without his hard work and discipline. It helped that he was intellectually gifted, but it was his determination and persistence that made the difference.

It would be a mistake to think that Edgar’s life was characterized solely by his singular focus on his academic advancement and career goals. To loosely adopt the language of his profession, we can say that Edgar’s portfolio of skills and talents were propitiously diversified.

A gifted photographer, chess player, and martial artist, his interests ranged from topics including military history, culinary arts, and spirituality. He enjoyed traveling to immerse himself in other cultures, and acquire a deeper understanding of human nature. An excellent singer, he sang with his Church choir in Orland Park, Illinois, and later, in St. Gregory the Great, while developing a mastery in guitar, piano, and the violin. He also regularly performed with his string ensemble in nursing homes to help bring joy and comfort to the old and afflicted.

Edgar strove to excel in many fields, but he lived for others. By any measure, his was a life that was fulfilled and well lived.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roland Alcantara.

He is survived by his loving wife, Aimee; his mother, Consuelo; his brother, Edwin and sister in law, Dulce; sisters in law, Ofelia, Alice, and Lulu; brothers in law, Ed, Patricio, and Raul; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Thursday, July 15, 2021, at Sauls Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 10:30 am at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Bluffton. Burial will follow at Lowcountry Memorial Gardens after the Funeral Mass.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America or John Paul II School General Scholarship Fund.

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