Dr. Nicomedes Sarmiento Aguila, DDS

“Anything Is Possible!” That is what Nicomedes Sarmiento Aguila believed about life. Kind, selfless and willing to give of himself and his talent to others. He was a creative man, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution to any difficulty confronting him. He knew how to create something from nothing and with “MacGyver” like imagination, precision and execution.

Nicomedes Sarmiento Aguila was born on September 4th, 1937 to parents Bruno and Maria Aguila in San Jose, Batangas Philippines. He attended Saint Joseph Academy High School in San Jose, Batangas and later earned a Degree in Doctor of Dental Medicine and Surgery from the University of the East, Manila. In 1942, his father volunteered to serve in the United States Armed Forces of the Far East and was sent to Corregidor Island where he would ultimately lose his life defending against the ensuing invasion of the Japanese. This tragedy would thrust the then six year old boy into being both a father and brother to his two younger siblings, Macario and Melchor Aguila. He grew up in rural Barangay Lapu-Lapu, San Jose Batangas and helped his mother raise his brothers under the most difficult of circumstances often doing without.

Inquisitive about the world around him, he had a love of the outdoors and nature. Joining the Boy Scouts afforded him the opportunity to learn about fishing, camping, planting trees and creating things out of wood which he would use and enjoy throughout his life.

Academically, he excelled in literature and sciences. He was inspired by his High School English Teacher, Miss Luna to read the greats and often would be heard quoting the works of “George Elliott,” author of “Silas Marner.” His love of Science, Medicine and helping others was fostered by his lifelong mentor and friend Dr. Leonardo A. Ona.

He would marry Rosita DeGuia Abraham, a Midwife, while working as the Provincial Health Officer for the Province of Batangas. They would travel together to the most rural of locations and help provide much needed Health Care, Medicines and Supplies as well as participate in aid work during natural disasters. He was affectionately known as simply “Doc Nick.” Wherever he went, he helped and cared for people.

Migrating to the United States in 1970, like many others he saw opportunity and was willing to start over again. The relationships that he had built in the Philippines transcended into the US as well, providing the support needed to navigate this new world. Shortly after the birth of his son Richard, mother and child had to return to the Philippines due to his father-in-law taking ill. While supporting his family he would endure bouts of loneliness and was even hospitalized due to a car accident that almost took his life. Although inequality and discrimination were commonplace, he broke barriers and focused on his knowledge and skills rather than the work environment. While working at the University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry in San Francisco, CA his innovation and work ethic were finally recognized, and he was offered a position as an Instructor. This opportunity would lead to practicing once again as a Dentist and finding a new home in Sacramento, California.

The year 1979 saw the blessing of the birth of his daughter Rowena and there first home at 1347 Bell Street. He worked tirelessly to make sure that his family had everything. Every day of his life he made it a point to be there for his family. Through him his family saw the importance of building friendships, serving the community and giving to others. He was a proud member the International Lions Club and was always available to serve in whatever capacity was needed. Truly he inspired others to give and to be kind wherever he went.

He retired in 2005 after 35 years in the United States and moved back to the Philippines. He often dreamt of practicing in the Philippines once again and at the young at heart age of 65 he was back in his element and taking care of a whole new generation of patients that greeted him every day with lines out the door of his clinic. He was honored by the Philippine Dental Association on his accomplishments and was often asked to be a guest speaker at there Conventions. Truly he was the definition making the “Impossible Dream,” Possible!

In 2014, while on a Dental Mission for the Philippine Air Force, he had an accident which caused a subdural hematoma. When blood was needed for the operation, the Wing Commander of Villamor Air Base sent a truck of airman to the hospital to donate. Three brain surgeries later and many months of physical therapy, he was back to practicing his craft. He was given an honorary commission as Captain in the Philippine Air Force Reserve for his dedication and service to his community.

No matter where he was or what he was doing, his number one priority was always his family. Ready to drop everything to help in any way possible. No sacrifice was too great.

The many friendships and bonds that he made has created a Legacy of Love, Selflessness, Kindness and Giving to others, that will live on in everyone who’s life he touched.

God truly blessed us with an Angel on earth and we are all thankful for every moment he was in our lives. He will be missed beyond comprehension and no words can truly describe the void we all feel. We are only consoled by the fact that he is again in the presence of God, his parents and brothers in heaven watching over each of us.

We will always imagine you on the banks of the Sacramento River in Freeport where you were the happiest, in your spot looking out on the water, waiting for the striped bass to bite while sharing with us your stories.

He is survived by his loving wife, children and grandchildren.