Norberto Ayala

Known to many as "Daddy", "Onge", or "Bert", Norberto Ayala was born on May 6, 1921 in Makati (Poblacion) where he was raised along with five other siblings, of which he was the youngest (4 boys and 1 girl). He was the last of the siblings to die at the age of 90. Daddy had good genes acquired from his parents Don Cenon Ayala and Senyora Epifania San Mateo and was related to Dr. Jose Rizal.

He lived in one of the oldest (ancestral) houses along E. Zobel Street, Makati, Rizal near the Pasig River. He enjoyed playing sling shots (tirador) with his brothers along Ayala Avenue which, at the time, was a dirt road. He grew up riding boats, swimming, or catching fish along the Pasig River when it was still clean. Growing up with his parents and siblings Feling, Peping, Tonio and Titok, Onge became a loving, friendly, handsome man. During World War II, the Japanese seized their ancestral house and turned it into a Japanese Garrison Headquarters against their will. Daddy and his parents, siblings and wife were forced to live underground in their house during the Japanese occupation.

Daddy met his wife Mary in Macabebe, Pampanga where she was a former Miss Macabebe. He was the favorite of his in-laws being humble, loving and hardworking man, mestizo and handsome. In his mid-20’s, he became the family driver for the Cu-Unjieng Family (his relatives). He got married just before the war. His wife had a miscarriage during the war and that was Bert’s first child (Henry). After the war, he went back to college at Ateneo but did not complete his degree because his family with Mary was growing. Though he belonged to a well provided family, he chose to work and make a living on his own to support his own family. He lost a son after the war and a daughter in 2007. Daddy is survived by his wife Mary and 3 children, Lynda, Lally and Norbie.

At the age of 30, Bert worked as a Salesman for Coca-Cola. He worked hard and was promoted to join the San Miguel Corporation where he became the Regional Supervisor covering Northern Luzon from San Miguel, Capas, Tarlac, Gerona, Camiling, Pangasinan, Dagupan, La Union, Alaminos, etc. He received merits and recognition from SMC for being hardworking man and reaching the top in sales. (Having Pangasinan and Clark Air Base in his district didn’t hurt). He was very loyal to SMC as he would not allow his family and children to drink any other brand of soda except Coke because he said it was Coca-Cola who financially supported him through hard work that allowed his family to live a comfortable life. He retired after working for 30 years with SMC and migrated to the USA.

He was well traveled in the States and even celebrated his 90th birthday at Disney World, Florida along with his wife, 3 children, 4 grandchildren, 2 sons-in law and other family friends. That was a memorable vacation for Daddy.

Daddy was a good provider to his wife, children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren and was generous to many.

In mid 2011, Bert started getting ill. He was diagnosed with COPD from a history of smoking for 45 years ago. In the beginning of 2012, Daddy had a couple of falls due to imbalance and he was hospitalized for pneumonia. After he was treated for this, he was sent home. His family monitored his progress but his condition deteriorated and he had to receive in-home hospice care.

Daddy had always said, he lived a full life, even with bonus years at age 90. There’s nothing else he could wish for because God and the Lord Jesus had been good to him. He played his role in life to the full extent of being a great son, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many.

Services will be held at his Parish, Santa Teresa. Vigil/visitation services will be held at Lima Family Milpitas-Fremont Mortuary. His remains will be flown to the Philippines where another service will be held at Loyola Chapel Guadalupe, Makati. Mass will be held at St. Peter and Paul Church in Makati. He will be laid to rest at Makati South Cemetery to join his parents and 4 siblings.

He will always be remembered as a great Daddy to all!