Hubert Wendell Rabanal

Hubert W. Rabanal passed away peacefully in his home on December 17, 2021 after a short battle with Cancer. Hubert was born in Waialua on the island of Oahu, Hawaii on November 3, 1958 to Silverio and Simplicia Rabanal. At the age of 2, he and his family left Hawaii in 1960 when work became scarce and moved to Delano, California where his parents were able to find work in the agricultural industry and built a life for their family. Their example of a strong work ethic and desire to ensure a better future for him and his 3 siblings is what inspired Hubert to work hard with his father in the fields at the age of 14 during the summers and get an education, which resulted in Hubert never missing a day of school.

Hubert attended Fremont School and Delano High School, where he was an all-star athlete. After graduating in 1976, he was recruited by Porterville College to play both basketball and baseball, but ultimately played basketball from 1976-78. After his time at Porterville College, Hubert attended California State Bakersfield and as a walk-on player and made the men’s basketball team. Hubert was proud to be the first and only Roadrunner basketball player from Delano at the time. In 1979, Hubert was selected at a statewide basketball tournament to play in the Philippines. He was one of many players from all over California including San Francisco, Stockton, Los Angeles, and San Diego who were invited by the Ministry of Tourism of the Philippine Government to travel to the Philippines to play basketball with some of the great players of the Philippine Basketball Association and to represent Delano and the Filipino community. This once in a lifetime opportunity also gave Hubert the opportunity to meet Imelda Marcos, the First Lady. Hubert and the other statewide players were able to travel and see the different islands of the Philippines.

On December 1, 1979, Hubert married the love of his life, Janet Lee Ward. Over the course of their 42 years together Hubert and Janet built a beautiful life together. They were blessed with two children; a son, Zachary Hubert, and daughter, Taylor Mackenzie. They created many memorable moments on their adventures together; as family was the most important part of Hubert’s life. Hubert was a strong provider, mentor, and the true example of what a man, husband and father should be. Hubert was a devout Catholic and because of his strong faith was an active member of St. Mary’s of the Miraculous Medal Church, where he often served as an usher and volunteer.

In 1979 Hubert began his financial career working for Gibraltar Savings & Loan. Hubert worked his way up from a part-time teller to Branch Manager, then Assistant Vice President of the local office. Having worked at Gibraltar, Hubert was able to get involved in the community by joining many clubs and organizations. In 1994, Hubert left Gibraltar Savings & Loan after fifteen years and began working for the City of Delano as a Return to Custody Administrator. It was through this experience with the City that led Hubert to his career path with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in 1996. After graduation from the academy, he reported to Corcoran State Prison and in February of 1997 transferred to North Kern State Prison, where he remained until his retirement. He considered his co-workers at NKSP his second family and built many everlasting bonds with many of them.

Hubert loved Delano with his whole heart and was a true servant of the people. He was a member of many organizations which include past President of the Greater Delano Area Youth Foundation, Active 20-30 Club, City of Delano Parks and Recreation Commission Board, former player of City of Delano Parks and Recreation City Championship Basketball, Volleyball and Softball Teams, Manager and Coach for Delano Little League Baseball Team, Lifetime Member (26 years of service) of Delano Harvest Holidays, Inc., past Auditor and Member of Filipino Community of Delano, Inc., past President of the Delano Chamber of Commerce, past Director of the Philippine Weekend Committee and 1999 Philippine Weekend Grand Marshal with the first Philippine Weekend Tournament Championship Basketball Team - Black Magic, 2018 Philippine Weekend Grand Marshal along with wife, Janet, past Board Member of Central Valley Basketball Officials Association, member and past President of the North Kern Cemetery District Board, past board member of the Saint Mary’s Catholic School and Church Finance Committee, 2002 Delano Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year Award, 2012 Filipino Community of Delano Man of the Year, and served on Delano Union Elementary School District Board of Trustees for 17 years, serving as Trustee, Clerk and President throughout his terms.

Hubert loved to travel and strived to visit as many places as he could. Hawaii, Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Lake Tahoe, Washington State, Arizona, Palm Springs, Florida are just a few of the many places he visited. Hubert and Janet were able to take a trip earlier this year to see the Grand Canyon, tour parts of historic Route 66 and take a hot air balloon ride, which was one of the items on Hubert’s Bucket List. Hubert loved going to Disneyland with his family, he enjoyed sharing laughs, smiles and of course a giant turkey leg and ice cream. Hubert enjoyed being active and participated in many basketball, golf, and baseball/softball tournaments and half marathons. He completed the RunDisney Coast to Coast Challenge in 2017 by completing a half marathon at both Disneyland and Disney World. He was also a Legacy Runner in the Bakersfield Half Marathon, and participated in the Delano healthy walk, and Harvest Holidays grape run.

Hubert had many hobbies and interests as well. He loved spending time working in his backyard, he loved collecting gadgets and remotes, visiting Costco’s while traveling, and loved to shop. Macy’s was his favorite store and did his best to shop at every one in the state of California. Hubert was also an active blood donor with Houchin Blood Bank where he became a member of the 10 gallon club in 2020, which he considered one of his greatest accomplishments. He also had an insatiable appetite for life and food. You always knew if you were separated from Hubert all you had to do was look where the food was being served as he was always hungry.

Hubert touched the lives of many people, family, friends, coworkers, and strangers alike. His smile lit up every room he walked into and after having a conversation with him, you knew you had met an incredible human being.

Hubert passed away peacefully at home on December 17, 2021 with his family by his side. He was preceded in death by his father, Silverio Rabanal; his parents-in-law, Norman and Roberta Ward; and his sister-in-law, Sandi Eskew. Hubert is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Janet; son, Zachary Hubert Rabanal; daughter, Taylor Mackenzie Rabanal; mother, Simplicia Rabanal; brother, Jesse Rabanal (Linda); sister, Darlene Wharton (Rocky); sister Millie Dart; brother-in-law, Philip Eskew; sister-in-law, Tami Ashlock (Bill); and many nephews and nieces. Jessica Dart-Lim,(Patrick) Christina Duffy(Colin), Paul Jordan Rabanal(Frances), Evan Wharton(Ina), Matthew Dart, Jonathan Eskew(Amanda), Brandon Eskew(Michelle), and

many great nieces and nephews.

Visitation and recitation of the Rosary will be held on January 21, 2022. Visitation will be held from 3pm-6pm. Rosary will take place from 4pm-5pm at St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal Roman Catholic Church, 916 Lexington St, Delano, CA. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on January 22, 2022 at 10:00 am at St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal Roman Catholic Church, 916 Lexington St, Delano, CA. Graveside services will follow at North Kern Cemetery. Reception to follow after services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hubert W. Rabanal Memorial Fund benefiting the youth of Delano. Donations can be made at Safe One Credit Union, Delano Ca.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.delanomortuary.com for the Rabanal family. Services entrusted to Delano Mortuary, a Dignity Memorial provider.