Rustan's heir Paolo Tantoco passes away at 44
Paolo Tantoco, a member of the prominent Tantoco family that has ties to the Rustan Commercial Corporation, has passed away at the age of 44.
The tragic news was announced on March 9 by his brother, Rustan Commercial Corporation president Donnie Tantoco, who shared a message from their parents Rico and Nena Tantoco. The cause of his death was not immediately detailed.
"It is with great sorrow that we share the sudden passing of our son Paolo 'Paowee' Tantoco. We are devastated by our loss and kindly request for your prayers for Paowee and our family," Rico and Nena said.
"We will share more details as we finalize arrangements for bringing him home to the Philippines," they added.
Paolo is the grandson of Rustan Commercial Corporation's founders, Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. and Gliceria Rustia-Tantoco. In addition to Donnie, his siblings include Robbie, Gippy, Katrina, Bea, and Joel.
He is the second sibling to pass away, after Joel in 2007. Their aunt, former chair and CEO of the Rustan Group Zenaida Tantoco, also recently departed at 77 in February 2024.
Following the footsteps of his business-centered family, Paolo took up Business Administration at the prestigious Bentley College in Boston.
He eventually served as Rustan's Administration Manager, overseeing the quality of the company's retail ventures.
He later tied the knot with his wife Dina through a civil wedding in Las Vegas after dating for 12 years, before exchanging marriage vows once again at the Montecito Chapel in Laguna in 2016. They were blessed with three children: Alana, Bela, and Zach.
The Tantoco family is now set to hold Novena Masses dedicated to the late Rustan heir.
These will be held on March 10 at the Villa Marina, Banahaw Village, Sta. Elena at 5:00 p.m.; on March 11 to 15 at the Hacienda Room Sta. Elena Golf Clubhouse at 5:00 p.m.; on March 16 at the Hacienda Room Sta. Elena Golf Clubhouse at 1:00 p.m.; and on March 17 at Rico's Cafe, Nena's Sanctuary, Sta. Elena at 3:00 p.m.
