Diomedes Baladjay Montecillo

Diomedes "Dodong" Baladjay Montecillo was born on August 10, 1942, in Sogod, Cebu, Philippines. He was the firstborn of Julian Dosado Montecillo and Trinidad Baladjay Montecillo and a beloved brother to Critextito (wife Dottie), Buenarino† (wife Cely), Adonis† (wife Josephine), Cleo (husband Butch), and Julianito (wife Cynthia).

As a young professional, he embraced the responsibility of sending his younger siblings to school. Dodong was a well-respected nurse and educator at Southern Islands Hospital in Cebu City, where he ultimately met his future wife, Vivian Cong. After five years of courtship—and after fulfilling his promise to his beloved mother to remain unmarried until his last sibling graduated—Dodong and Vivian wed on October 15, 1977. They shortly welcomed three children into their lives: Dave (wife Shona), Vida, and Diane (husband Clark). Many years later, they welcomed six precious granddaughters: Devon, Deliann, Saige, Shilo, Carrington, and Carrigan.

Dodong will be best remembered for his devotion to family, perseverance, deep generosity toward anyone in need, his competitive spirit, and his steadfastness. Those who know him will forever cherish his humor, resilience, passion for sports, and deep appreciation for classical and jazz music.

He was a travel enthusiast—especially with loved ones—who looked forward to his annual visits to his beloved Philippines. He embraced adventure, had a special love for all good food shared with those he loved, and found joy in health and fitness—especially during long daily morning walks with his wife.

His personal legacy is marked by his dedication to family—immediate and extended, near and far. He was a proud patriarch of the Julian-Trining Montecillo clan, whose wisdom and leadership were sought by the family in times of crisis or calm. His strong work ethic, deep commitment, and faith served as guiding principles in his daily life. Having earned two separate degrees himself and becoming a Registered Nurse and Physical Therapist, he instilled the importance of education—a value he both lived by and passed on to multiple generations.

While the gaping hole in our hearts may never heal, we take some solace in knowing that he lived a life oh-so-well lived!!!