Ely Mariano Estoy Acompanado

Ely Mariano Estoy Acompañado, a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, at the age of 79. Known for his steadfast spirit and dedication to his family, Mariano leaves behind a legacy defined by love, hard work, and the rich cultural heritage he shared with those around him.

Born on May 5, 1946, in Nabua, Camarines Sur, Philippines, to his parents, Silverio Deniña Acompañado Sr. and Flora Estoy Acompañado, Mariano carried with him the values and traditions of his Filipino roots throughout his life. He was the cornerstone of his family, providing a sense of stability and warmth that will be profoundly missed. His role as a father and grandfather, known as "Papa" to his grandchildren, was his greatest pride, and the joy he shared in family gatherings—filled with stories, laughter, and the flavors of home through his love of cooking Bicolano and Filipino dishes—remains a cherished memory for all who knew him.

Mariano enjoyed traveling back and forth between the U.S. and the Philippines and took pride in managing the family farms, working with local rice farmers in Santa Elena Baras, Nabua in the Bicol region. He was a founding member and past president of D’ Saints International Inc., an organization of men from Baras, Nabua whose members spread overseas to the U.S. and all over the world. D’ Saints International Inc. focused on strong friendship, camaraderie, community service, and philanthropic projects serving their local community of Nabua. Within Virginia, he was a longtime member of the Bicol Association of Tidewater (BAT) from 1985-2000s and later became a current and active member of the Bicolanos of Virginia (BIVA), Inc. since 2008.

He is survived by his loving wife, Teresita “Tessie” Petalio Acompañado; his children, Gay P. Acompañado with husband, Ryan B. Dela Cruz, and Allen P. Acompañado; and his beloved grandchildren, Bryan Xavier “BryX” and Brianna Ellie “BriE,” who were the light of his later years. He is survived by his sisters, Melva A. Rabusa (Ernie); Mercy E. Acompañado; and brother, Silverio E. Acompañado Jr. (Lolita); nephews and nieces; and many relatives in the U.S. and the Philippines. He was preceded in death by his parents, Silverio Deniña Acompañado Sr. and Flora Estoy Acompañado.

Mariano’s life was a testament to the quiet strength of a man who put his family first. While his absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, his spirit lives on in the traditions he passed down and the love he instilled in his children and grandchildren.

The family kindly asks for your prayers for his soul and for their strength and comfort to carry them through this very difficult time. The family would like to thank everyone for their love, support, and kindness.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a Wake service at 5:30 pm at Smith & Williams Funeral Home/Kempsville, located at 4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 7800 Halprin Dr., Norfolk, VA 23518. Cremation and Burial will be private.