Alan Lanuza Quiliza

Alan Lanuza Quiliza passed away on March 6, 2026, in Murray, Utah, holding the hands of his beloved wife, Maria. Though they were not ready to say goodbye, Alan faced his diagnosis of stage 4 liver cancer with quiet faith and courage. What doctors expected might last only three weeks became nearly seven months of treasured time together, a gift he and Maria embraced fully, surrounded by the prayers and love of family and friends.

Born in the Philippines, Alan was the son of Dionisio Sr. and Luzviminda Lanuza Quiliza, both of whom preceded him in death, along with his brother Ariel. He is survived by his wife Maria and his eight siblings and their families: Dionisio Jr. Quiliza and family, Amelia Franco and family, Arnold Quiliza and family, Annabelle Casinillo and family, Analiza Banaag and family, Alexander Quiliza and family, and Allen Quiliza and family. Although Alan and Maria had no children of their own, he cherished his 29 nieces and nephews as if they were his.

To his siblings, Alan was known as Kuya Alan, a term of deep respect and affection. Gentle, kind, sweet, giving, and humble, he placed his family first and carried the same caring nature as his mother. For decades he worked as a project supervisor and consultant, known as Engineer Alan Quiliza, with the Philippine Area Administration Office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From the 1980s until 2009, he oversaw the construction of meetinghouses and chapels across cities, towns, and remote islands throughout the Philippines. In 2009 he moved to the United States, first joining his youngest brother Allen in California, where the two became known as the hardworking “A-Team” at Walmart. Later transfers took him to the Long Beach area and then to Tennessee, where his warm, genuine smile and friendly spirit touched many lives. He eventually settled in West Jordan, Utah, where he built a new life with Maria after they met in 2022 and married on January 7, 2023.

Alan’s quiet and private nature was balanced by a gracious and loyal heart. Those who knew him recognized his steady light and the many small, thoughtful ways he served others without seeking recognition. He lived as an example of kindness and faith, and his presence enriched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him.