Nicasio Castillo Ibera

After several years of battling serious illnesses, Nicasio “Nick” Ibera, of Jacksonville, Florida, left this world and went home to his Maker on Monday, August 30, 2021. He was a strong, loving man and lived a long and fruitful life. He was 91 years old.

Nick was born December 13, 1929 in Sinait, Ilocos Sur, Philippines to Juan Ibera and Paulina Castillo. After an early career as a teacher in the Philippines, he enlisted in the US Navy. In 1969 he proudly became a US citizen and continued his naval service until his retirement in 1976. His service in the Navy for 22 years was followed by a long career in the Civil Service at both Rota Naval Station, Spain, and NAS Jacksonville, FL.

Nick was married to his loving wife, Angeles for 61 years, having met during his first duty station in Rota, Spain. Together and during Nick’s military career, they traveled and lived in duty stations throughout the US including Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Washington State, and South Carolina. They also enjoyed tours of duty overseas in Holy Loch, Scotland, Keflavik, Iceland, and several tours at his second home, Rota, Spain. He proudly served on four ships, including USS Mount McKinley (LCC-7), air craft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60), submarine tender USS Hunley, and submarine tender USS Canopus (AS-34). Nick and Angeles have lived in Jacksonville, Florida during the last forty years following his military retirement and final duty station in Rota, Spain. Nick spent his life doing what he enjoyed most: spending time with his ever-growing family, vegetable gardening, fishing, participating as an officer and socializing with his many Filipino friends at the Ilocano Club, and seeing the world through a sailor’s eyes.

Nick, who’s family lovingly referred to as “Lelo,” believed in hard work, education, family, and God’s mercy. Nick leaves his wife, Angeles, his children, Nieves (Ed) Gallegos, Alicia (Frank) Cairon, Ralph (Monica) Ibera, Pauline (Errol) Gonzales; his grandchildren Nicko (Natasha), Sasha (Daniel), Bianca (Luke), Cameron, Brianna, Sydney, Lucas, Maxwell, Rowen, and two great-grandchildren on the way. He will forever be remembered.

A visitation for Nicasio will be held Sunday, September 12, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223.

Prayers will begin at 6:30 PM.

A a mass of christian burial will occur Monday, September 13, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph's Historic Old Church, 4214 Loretto Road, Jacksonville, FL 32223.

Committal Service with Honors, 1:30 PM

Jacksonville National Cemetery

4083 Lannie Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32219

The family requests that masks be worn at services.

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