Arnulfo Sebastian Jimenez

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He taught his children that the greatest gift you can give someone is your presence.

Arnulfo Sebastian Jimenez was born on September 14, 1942, in Zamboanga City, Philippines, to Pedro Jimenez and Juana Sebastian Jimenez Edades. He was raised alongside his siblings, Pedro, Edgardo, Lourdes, Maria, Jaime Alexis, and Virgilio. To his brothers and sisters, Arnulfo was affectionately referred to as the “model child”, always looking up to him with admiration throughout their lives.

Arnulfo attended the Zamboanga School of Arts & Trades for high school and then pursued engineering at FEATI University in Manila, Philippines, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME). He placed third on the Mechanical Engineering Board Exam in the Philippines, an achievement that is a testament to his intelligence, discipline, and studious nature. In 1982, he became a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Illinois.

Throughout his career, Arnulfo served as a Nuclear Inspector and Engineering Supervisor at Hartford Steam Boiler. He later continued his career as an independent Engineering Consultant with ABS Consulting and ARISE.

One of the most cherished chapters of Arnulfo’s life began on November 1, 1970, when he arrived in the United States from the Philippines. After landing at O’Hare International Airport, he asked a security guard for help getting to his Aunt Alicia’s home. Knowing that many Filipino nurses worked in Chicago hospitals, the security guard called Evangelical Hospital on Chicago’s south side, hoping someone there could assist.

The call was received by the ER nursing supervisor, who passed the call on to Filipina nurse, Clarita Torres, from Bauang, La Union, Philippines, to speak with him. During their brief conversation in Tagalog, Clarita discovered that she worked with one of his cousins. Instead of continuing directly to his aunt’s home, Arnulfo decided to go to the hospital to meet Clarita in person before spending the night at his cousin’s house. For Arnulfo, it was love at first sight and he was smitten from the beginning. What began as a chance introduction became a lifelong love story. Arnulfo and Clarita were married on October 19, 1974. She lovingly called him “Nel” and they shared more than 51 years of marriage together.

Arnulfo and Clarita were blessed with three children: Rachel Jimenez Penca (husband, Michael Penca), Kevin Arnold Jimenez (wife, Che Robles Jimenez), and Jonathan Keith Jimenez. He was also a proud Lolo to his two granddaughters, Seilah Jimenez and Isla Mikelle Robles Jimenez.

Golf was his greatest passion and he spent countless hours practicing and perfecting his game. He loved the sport and proudly achieved three hole-in-ones during his lifetime. Glendale Lakes Golf Club was his go-to course, though his love of the game took him to courses around the world, including Scotland, the motherland of golf. He was a member of the GolfNutz, a Filipino golfing organization, for many years. Arnulfo also had a natural aptitude for strategy and problem-solving, earning the title of Chess Champion with the Philippine Engineer and Scientist Organization (PESO).

If there was one thing people knew about Arnulfo, it was that he was a simple man. He was incredibly smart but never felt the need to prove it. He was humble, thoughtful, and compassionate, always going the extra mile for the people he cared about and quietly helping others without expecting anything in return. He taught his children that the greatest gift you can give someone is your presence. By the way he lived, he showed them that being there for the people you love matters more than anything else.

In his final hours, his daughter placed an AirPod in his ear so he could listen to Tiger Woods' final round of the 134th Open Championship, one of Tiger's greatest performances. As he listened, he peacefully drifted away, and God gently called him home.

Arnulfo is survived by his beloved wife, Clarita Jimenez; his children, Rachel Jimenez Penca (Michael Penca), Kevin Arnold Jimenez (Che Robles Jimenez), and Jonathan Keith Jimenez; his cherished granddaughters, Seilah Jimenez and Isla Mikelle Robles Jimenez; his siblings, Pedro, Edgardo, Lourdes, Maria, Jaime Alexis, and Virgilio; and many beloved nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Christopher Jimenez; and his parents, Pedro Jimenez and Juana Sebastian Jimenez Edades.

We welcome you to join us in celebrating Arnulfo’s life and honoring his memory. Below are the details for his services:

Wednesday, July 22, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Wake & Visitation at Salerno Funeral Home in Roselle

Thursday, July 23, 10:00 AM | Funeral Mass at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Glendale Heights

Thank you for your love, prayers, and support during this time. Please leave a message or memory of Arnulfo in the Guestbook.