Gregorio was one of ten children, born on May 25, 1928 in the town of Urdaneta, Pangasinan in the Philippines to Federico and Lucia (Bergado) Ellazar.
In 1955, he joined the US Navy to follow his American dream. Approximately 10 years later while on leave in the Philippines, he accompanied his brother to a dental appointment. It was there that he met his future wife, Fe Padua. Through countless love letters between Fe in the Philippines and Greg at sea, they fell deeper in love. After a year of written correspondence, he returned to the Philippines where they were married in 1966. They were soon blessed with two daughters, Genevieve and Donna and her spouse, Jay. Throughout his military career, he visited numerous countries including England, Japan, Spain and Italy to name a few. Gregorio spent his time in the Navy serving the United States with pride, and after 23 years, he decided to retire in Virginia.
Retirement did not last too long for an active man, and soon, he returned to work as a civilian.
His leisurely days in Virginia Beach were happily spent doing the things he loved the most; bowling, fishing and gardening. He stayed close to his long time friends but with his unique sense of humor and magnetic personality he made new friends no matter where he went.
He spent time with his family, for his family, and eventually became Grandpa to 4 grandchildren who also carry on his spirit: Lauren, with her passion for fighting against injustice and inequality while emitting a sense of love and leadership for the family; Eric, in his unwavering patriotism, commitment to hard work
and compassion to help others; Joey’s ability to calm the chaos, his love for music, art and quiet strength; Hannah’s fondness of children, determination to get things done, living by her own rules and adventurous nature. These are only a few of the qualities he passed down. His spirit will live on.
He wasn’t a man of many words but led by example. He followed his American Dream, considered himself a Filipino and an American embracing both cultures equally. He had an ability to see good in everyone he met, built bridges between people of all backgrounds and practiced the basic Golden Rule. It is appropriate that Gregorio will be laid to rest on 9/11. A day that began in tragedy but ended in unity. Rather than spending his time on earth dividing people by their differences, he saw to prosper in unity.
Funeral services will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home at 6329 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502. Viewing at 10am, services at 12pm, burial at 1pm, small reception to follow at Woodlawn Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.WoodlawnNorfolk.com. The funeral service will be streamed via Facebook Live on the Woodlawn Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Gardens Facebook page.
