“Tatay” Agustin Balagtas De Leon passed away early Monday morning on November 15, 2021, in Everett, Washington after undergoing four years of kidney dialysis and living with dementia. His family was able to say goodbye for the last two days before his passing.
Tatay was born on August 30, 1929, in Candaba, Pampanga, Philippines. He was survived by his wife (Ana) and 7 children (Jose, Jerry, Diosdado, Enrique, Ferdinand, Felix, and Michelle), 5 daughter in-law (Dory, Marie, Menchu, Sharon), son in-law (Angelo), 17 grandchildren (Jacqueline, Jeffrey, John, Jade, Gerard, Stephanie, Alyssa, Catherine, Carmie, Christine, Keith, Carlo, Anjelica, Shaynah, Christian, Angelina, Adrian), a sister (Fely Esguerra) and many beloved nieces and nephews. Many are living in America.
Tatay met “Nanay” Ana Magpayo the love of his life for 69 years in a small town of Candaba, Pampanga. Nanay was charmed by Tatay’s good look and soon they both fell in love. They decided to elope with just 25 pesos in his pocket and 500 pesos in Nanay’s. At that time, you can buy a house with 500 pesos! After they arrived in Tondo, Manila, they married the next day in Santo Nino Church in Tondo on Jun 25, 1953. Nanay’s wedding dress and Tatay’s suit were borrowed. They stayed with Tatay’s family for a short time until they found a place to stay. Soon they were able to own a store selling rice and later able to buy their first house. Tatay worked at City Hall of Manila while Nanay was taking care of the store. Tatay decided to quit his job in order to manage another store and to become a rice distributor and retailer. With his business booming, Tatay decided to buy houses to be rented and later built a new house in Paranaque. Tatay worked so hard seven days a week to provide a good life for his family. He helped many relatives to start their own rice retailing businesses.
Tatay, together with Nanay, immigrated to the USA in 1986 living in Everett. Within weeks after arriving, he was able to find a job in a production facility in Marysville, WA. They were living in an apartment for a while until they could save money to buy a multiplex home in Lombard, Everett WA. He rented the upstairs and another separate house while living in the main house. After several years, Tatay decided to sell this house to buy a new single-family home in Everett where they owned it until now. He worked in plating production in Mukilteo until he retired in 2000.
Tatay, loved to go crabbing and clam digging during the season, which he always shared with his children who live nearby. Although he was a person of few words, he always reminded his children to be humble and kind. His devotion to God is unsurpassed, as demonstrated by wearing a large crucifix on his chest daily. Tatay devoted his life to his wife and children, and he will always be remembered for his kindness and love he showed his family.
A viewing is scheduled for Sunday at 1:00 – 5:00 pm on November 21, 2021, at Evergreen Funeral Home (4504 Broadway, Everett, WA). Live stream webcast from 2-4pm
• 1:00 – 2:00 pm Guests arriving/paying respect/refreshments
• 2:00 – 2:30 pm Rosary (Gerard leading the rosary)
• 2:30 – 3:30 pm Eulogy (Jerry)/sharing stories of Tatay (others)
• 3:30 – 5:00 pm Mingling with guests
A memorial mass will be held Tuesday at 1:00 pm on November 23, 2021 at St Mary Magdalen Church in Everett. Burial is scheduled for Wednesday 2:00 pm on November 24 at the Holyrood Catholic Cemetery in 205 NE 205th street, Shoreline, WA 98155
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-FH.com for the De Leon family.
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