Romulo Florendo Festejo

Romy was born on February 6, 1947 in Nabua, Camarines Sur in the Bicol region of the Philippines. He was the second oldest of six children. After graduating from Sto. Domingo Institute, he went on to study education at the University of Northeastern Philippines.

During a Holy Week procession, he met the love of his life, Milagros (Mely) Rodriguez Nunez, and they wed on July 31, 1970. They went on to having four children: Demetria, Jennifer, Maria Lucia, and Romulo, Jr.

After 51 years in the Philippines, he moved to Jacksonville and worked with the Duval County School System in maintenance, later worked for Coca-Cola for 10 years, and subsequently retired.

Romy was a loving and caring father and brother to his family, determined to support and provide for his family. He enjoyed socializing with friends on the weekends, playing cards, watching NBA basketball on TV, rooting for the people’s champ Manny Pacquiao, enjoying the occasional buffet, and kept his television on channel 2060 TFC: The Filipino Channel.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mely and four children, Demetria Festejo Esmejarda and husband Allan, Jennifer Festejo-Lanzuela and husband Benhur, Maria Lucia Festejo De Vera and husband Ramon, Romulo Festejo, Jr., and 11 loving grandchildren: Jem-Jem Esmejarda, Aya Esmejarda, Iya Esmejarda, Mika De Vera, Lyka De Vera, Moy-Moy De Vera, Miggy De Vera, Ella Fenwick, Jana Festejo, Jian Festejo, and Jolie Alomar. Romy is also survived by his siblings Tito, Carlos, Nellie, and Adriano. He was preceded in death by his parents Juan and Demetria Festejo, and by his younger brother Bernardo.

A viewing will be held at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, Mandarin Chapel, on March 11th, 2022 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223. There will be a funeral mass presided by Fr. Sebastian George at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on March 12th, 2022 at 9:45 a.m., 11757 Old St Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32258.

The family requests that flowers be sent to Hardage-Giddens, Mandarin Chapel.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Festejo family.