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Untalan, Tinian mayor’s chief executive officer, passes away
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Posted on Apr 02 2009
John Untalan, the chief executive officer of the Municipality of Tinian, died of an apparent heart attack Tuesday night at the Commonwealth Health Center. He was 43 years old.
Tinian Mayor Jose San Nicolas confirmed Untalan’s passing yesterday, saying his staff’s sudden death was a big shock to him and the Tinian people.
According to a report, Untalan was rushed to the hospital about 10pm Tuesday night and was declared dead 11:30pm by attending physicians.
Untalan is survived by his wife Gladyz and six children.
Untalan’s wife told San Nicolas that her husband was about to check in at a local hotel when he complained of dizziness and chest pain.
“An ambulance was called and he was immediately taken to the hospital. But around 11:30, he was declared dead at the Saipan hospital,” San Nicolas said.
Untalan’s body was still at CHC as of press time.
The family will be hosting a rosary at the San Jose Church on Tinian everyday next week at 8pm, except on Thursday and Black Saturday.
Untalan’s four sisters who are living off-island are expected to arrive for his burial.
San Nicolas said that Untalan traveled to Saipan supposedly to meet with the Legislature about Tinian’s budget for Fiscal Year 2010. The official was also scheduled for other meetings on behalf of the municipality.
Untalan is also currently a board trustee for the Marianas Public Land Trust. Prior to becoming the mayor’s chief executive officer, Untalan served as a licensing officer for the Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission, mayor’s office representative, mayor’s chief operating officer, and executive director of the Tinian Municipal Council.
San Nicolas disclosed that Untalan’s appointment to the mayor’s office started during his term.
“I have seen the dedication, professionalism, commitment, and loyalty of this man. I have high regard for his capability and performance. He has done a lot of good works and progress serving all these positions,” San Nicolas said.
The mayor yesterday appointed William Cing as the municipality’s acting executive officer.
