Primo Awa Poblete

Many things can be said about Primo Awa Poblete. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. Primo was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Primo was born on June 9, 1937 at home in Muzon Naic Cavite Philippines to Manuel and Magdalena Poblete. Primo was raised in Muzon with two older sisters, Josefa and Gliceria (RIP), and one younger sister, Antonina. Even as a child, Primo demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him. Primo carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him pleasurable and delightful to be around. Primo was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew.

As a young boy, Primo was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether his peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Primo could easily relate to other kids. He was an active child who loved taking part in baseball.

During his high school years, Primo had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. He was constantly offering his support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which he participated. He graduated from Western Cavite Institute in 1954. He did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to him. In this way, Primo had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Teachers and classmates knew Primo as an excellent listener. He placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for him just around the corner. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Miss Benitez.

Always considered a “good” friend, Primo sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Primo always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Primo’s friends found him easy to know and get along with because of his talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in his dealings with others. Primo would always seek to learn what his friends enjoyed, and he would go out of his way to make sure that their needs were met. Primo was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, he sometimes felt ill at ease when he was the one on the receiving end. Throughout his life he had many friends. While growing up, some of his best friends were Herminio Andrion and Flor Arcena. Later in life, he became friends with all of his classmates.

On May 4, 1963 Primo married Nelia Sanchez at the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral Catholic Church of Naic Cavite Philippines. Compassionate and devoted, Primo worked hard to make his new family happy. He was always generous with his time and this meant that Nelia came first in Primo’s book. He was always caring and made certain that he considered Nelia’s feelings. By trusting his emotions, Primo did his best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Primo was truly a person of empathy.

Primo’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good father to his children. Primo shared these values with his four children, three daughters, Florian, Chola, and Joy; and one son, Primo Jr. Primo was also blessed with seven grandchildren, Mistine (Jose), Renee, Kim (Keeshia), Nico, Roland, Eva, and Yza, and two great grandchildren, Jayden and Maverick. Primo related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him and he was completely and totally devoted to them.

Primo experienced success in his work life over and over again. His primary occupation was he worked primarily as a heavy equipment operator and was employed overseas from 1968-1986. Primo always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by his colleagues as a team player and kindhearted. Primo took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project.

Because he was organized and methodical, Primo took great pleasure in his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were dancing and stamp collecting. Primo was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams' events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were baseball and boxing. He was also a lover of game cocks.

Primo was well known to others for his ability to naturally and conscientiously move into action to help others, a quality that placed him as an active contributor to many community activities. Charismatic by nature, he was always viewed by others as someone who built bridges, connected to people, and upheld his personal values. He was elected as Barangay Captain for four years.

Primo’s faith was important to him. He was a member of Silver Chalice Association of Naic Immaculate Conception Cathedral Catholic Church. He was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in his work with the congregation.

In 1985, Primo was diagnosed of Parkinson’s Disease and was battling this disease until 2019. According to his Neurologist the lifespan of PD patient is only 15 years but he fought this disease for 34 years.

Primo passed away on October 1, 2019 at San Martin Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is survived by his wife, Nelia; children, Florian, Chola (Rollie), Joy (Tony), and Primo Jr. (Mabel); grandchildren, Mistine (Jose), Renee, Nico, Roland, Kim (Keeshia), Eve, Yza; and great grandchildren, Jayden and Maverick; sister, Antonina. Services were held at Palm Southwest Mortuary and Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

Throughout his life, Primo was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Primo leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Primo Awa Poblete.