Felipe Zabala Pablico

Our dearly beloved, Felipe Zabala Pablico was born on April 11, 1947 in Bungro Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. He was the son of Sergeant Julian M. Pablico and Crescencia Z. Pablico. Felipe came to the United States of America in 1965.

At the age of twenty, he was drafted into the United States Army where Felipe served in the Vietnam War fighting in the frontlines of combat. He fought on the battlegrounds against an aggressive enemy and through his loyalty, diligence, and devotion to his duty, Felipe was honored with The Bronze Star Medal for his service in the U.S. Army.

The life of Felipe again took an unexpected turn after attending a Hawaiian dance in which he was able to use the skill of perseverance which he had developed from the army! He met a young and lovely woman by the name of Milagrosa whom he persisted in visiting at her Aunt Connie’s home for over a year. At times, Felipe would stop by without entering the house and play football outside with her cousins, Bob and Peter just to make his presence known. It worked as Milagrosa would watch from the windowsill inside. His serious intentions with the young woman had been made clear.

In June of 1972, Felipe Pablico and Milagrosa Pablico were married at Saint Patrick church. The start of their family began with Philip being the eldest, followed by Mirafe, Philbert, and Patrick with the addition of Ben, Mary Jane, and Frelyn as their children-in-laws. They have a total of seven grandchildren: Brandon, Lincoln, Dylan, Ethan, Hermielyn, Elliot, and Eliyanah.

Felipe worked at Consolidated Freightways for 25 years and received awards year after year. He had the gift of creating and building; his projects and talent can be seen throughout his home and others. Felipe had the ability to figure out and fix just about anything that had to do with homes or automobiles.

Although, he was a man of few words, his thoughtful, kind, gentle heart and smiles spoke volumes. Felipe had a pleasant, calm, and relaxed nature about himself. He never spoke ill of anyone and had the self-control to bridle his tongue. Felipe had inner strength, an incredible amount of stamina, and perseverance to go through every difficult obstacles in his life to the very end without complaining. Lastly, he is known for his enduring love for his wife.

Towards the end of a seven year battle at the VA Medical Center---- his breaths were long and difficult yet, he fought to hang on to the very last moment until he knew that his wife would arrive at his side in the hospital. “Honey, I’m here, I brought you some food!” as Mila kissed him on the forehead for the last time--- Felipe Z. Pablico exhaled his final breath on April 19, 2022 and returned home to heaven.

He will always be known to his family as a true fighter and a forever hero....