Efren Roberto Jacob Aballa

Roberto Efren J Aballa (Bobby) was born February 9,1950 in Iriga City, Philippines to Jovita and Moises Aballa. His siblings include Letecia Aballa-Mata, Elmer Aballa, and Jesusa Aballa. Bobby grew up a fun spirited soul and living life to its fullest. He excelled in academics graduating as the class Valedictorian at MMC High School in Iriga City. He then attended Ateneo de Naga University of Philippines on a full scholarship majoring in Civil Engineering and then Political Science, where he was on the debate team and student body president. His dream was to pursue a PhD in History, he was a true history lover. He met his wife, Araceli Nunez Miclat, who worked at Naval Air Station Cubi Point (Air Terminal). They got married on October 24, 1981.

In May 3, 1971, Bobby enlisted in the United States Navy at US Naval Station Sangley Pointe in Cavite, Philippines to help support his family. He loved traveling the world and experiencing the many cultures during his 20 years in the Navy as an Aviation Machinist Mate (AD). Bobby was a veteran of the Vietnam, Peacetime and Gulf War eras. His assignments include NAS Moffet Field (VP-46), NAS Barbers Point (VP-17), NAS Chase Field (VT-26), NAS Jacksonville (VP-16). His deployments took him to Mediterranean Sea, Guam, Western Pacific, Bermuda, Rota Spain, Sigonella Siciliy, Puerto Rico, Diego Garcia, to name a few. A few of his decorations include Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal. Bobby retired from the Navy on September 30, 1991 at NAS Jacksonville where he and his family settled. He loved serving his country and his career in the US Navy, a true proud veteran.

After the Navy, Bobby received his Associate in Science in Paralegal Studies and joined the civilian world in 1993 at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (formerly Vistakon). He started his JNJ career at the Richard Street facility then transitioned to the Deerwood Park facility, working on the Philips Line and 2GT. Bobby retired from JNJ after 17 years.

During his transition between the Navy and JNJ, Bobby had the entrepreneurial spirit by franchising a cleaning company (JaniKing) and selling oriental goods at the Beach Blvd Flea Market. In 2019, the Aballa family became Franchise Owners of Peterbrooke Chocolatier at Durbin Park (St Johns County). He enjoyed watching sports such as the Jacksonville Jaguars (die heard fan since 1995!), FSU Seminoles College Football, San Antonio Spurs, and boxing with Manny Pacquiao. He avidly participated in martial arts, boxing, and long distance running.

Bobby is survived by his wife Araceli; daughter Diane Aballa-Flores (Robin-Charles) of St. Augustine, FL; son Adrian Aballa (Tiffany) of Scottsdale, AZ; and four grandchildren, Landon Flores, 8, Olivia Flores, 5, Allan Aballa, 2, and Alvin Aballa, 3 months. He was surrounded with love by his entire Miclat and Jacob family.

A visitation for Bobby will be held Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225, followed by a celebration of life from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Bobby’s final resting place will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA with Military Funeral Honors, at a later date.

If you would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Efren Aballa’s (Bobby) name to non-profit International Myeloma Foundation (IMF):

Donate

myeloma.org

Friends and family of the Aballa Family can view the celebration by copy and pasting any of the following links:

https://youtube.com/live/GISayYE7Neg?feature=share

https://youtube.com/live/LNJiiccljqk?feature=share

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddenschapelhills.com for the Aballa family.