Juanicolo Q. Ella

Good Afternoon everyone, we gather today at St Benedict Church to remember the life of Juanicolo Quiling Ella and celebrate what he meant to all of us. My name is Justin Leslie Odi Ella and I am the youngest of my dad’s 2 children. My older brother is Jason Jonathan Odi Ella and he is seated over here. He was married to our late mother Lilia Oliverio Odi Ella. I am honored to speak today and I will do my best to get through this without a hitch. I would like to formally thank all that are in attendance today physically along with those joining us via live stream and those with us in spirit. It means a great deal to my brother, my family, and I to have you with us during this time through the ongoing world situation where safety and health always comes first. To take the time out of your busy lives to be with us is the best thing we could ask for. My mother and my father are looking down together and are truly happy and smiling to see that love is so powerful amongst us.

My father was born on December 15, 1942 in Mauban in Quezon Province in the Philippines where he went to Roosevelt Memorial High School where he was a strong mathlete and went on to graduate from The University of the East in Manila, Philippines with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and graduated with high honors. My Father was 1 of 7 children born from my grandparents, the late Emiliano Ella and late Isidra Quiling. He was the 3rd eldest in line amongst his siblings by age: Nell Soto, Late Rolando Ella, My Dad, Yolanda Ella, Lilia Ella (same name as my mom), Leila Almiranez, and Rocely Tamayo.

My mother and father met at the Philippine National Bank in Cotobato City where they ended up talking, hitting it off, and the rest is history. My father arrived to the states with 10 half dollars in his pocket ($5) in 1974, established himself first then returned to the Philippines and married my mother on 12/15/1976 in Quezon City. My parents were born on the same day, December 15, and married on the same day as well. Anniversaries/birthdays were easy to remember for everyone as you can tell. My mom was petitioned into the US and finally arrived in June of 1977 where she would reside for the remainder of her life bearing 2 children whom they both loved with the greatest of passion here, in Chicago. My parents were married for 42 and a half years on this earth and will be together for eternity.

Juanicolo Quiling Ella, John, Johnny, Jolly, was an amazing human being. Overall, my dad was a hardworking, kind hearted, welcoming, happy go lucky, selfless fellow. He worked very hard to take care of his family and all those around him. Growing up, my mother rarely drove. My dad drove everywhere whether it’s dropping my brother and I to daycare, school, or any functions we might have or driving my mom and picking her up from work Monday through Friday while his work was the complete opposite direction of the house. He was also my mom’s designated chauffeur for her frequent shopping excursions that would last for hours and sometimes nothing would even be bought. No complaints, no hesitation, he got the work done. No matter the situation he was always very supportive in any aspect in the family life. If my brother and I were playing sports, having piano recitals, receiving awards, or just needing confidence he was always there to root, cheer, and support to the best of his ability. He was a simple man who didn’t require much and took pleasure in seeing that he was making others around him happy.

Growing up, my dad enjoyed having fun. To the point where his academics were neglected a bit but he grew up and came to the realization that it was time to be responsible and that’s what he became. He loved playing basketball the most and was one of the best basketball players in his town in his prime. He was really big into sports all of his life and if he wasn’t working on anything you could always find him on the recliner, with the legs kicked back, watching his favorite Chicago sports teams. It gives me peace knowing that he was able to watch his last Bulls game and last Bears game before he passed and the teams won.

My dad was strong and he fought until his last breath. The past few years have been very rough for my dad, brother, and I. My father had ongoing health issues that I knew were hard for him and very difficult to bear but he always pushed forward with a smile on his face trying not show any sign of weakness. He would always try to lighten the mood in dark or serious situations so everyone around would feel more comfortable. It was always hard to gauge how he was actually doing because he would always say “I’m OK,” with a smile on his face but I knew there were times he was going through hardship. He didn’t like putting a burden on anyone and tried to be as independent as possible until his last breath. Saying “I Love You,” might not come easy to some people and honestly my family and I didn’t say it much growing up but I love the fact that we started saying it more the past few years. Every night my brother, dad, and I said it every night before bed whether face to face or via phone. The last words my dad said to me was “I Love You.” And the very last words of the last text I sent him the night before he passed was “I Love You.”

It’s Kuya and I now going forward with you both watching over us and guiding us through life. Kuya and I will be good because we have you both inspiring us and we have all these people to support. Kuya and I hope you both are enjoying your reunification and celebrate with the rest of all of our loved ones that have moved on. We love you guys so much. No longer present physically but always with us spiritually. On behalf of Kuya, myself, and everyone present, “We love You.”