Victor Gemo Simpelo

Victor Gemo Simpelo was born in Cavite, Philippines on July 28, 1940. He and his younger siblings; sister Erlinda (Erlie), and brothers Marcial (Marcie) and Edmundo (Eddie ) grew up in the barangay of Pasong Camachile, in the city of General Trias. For first and second grade he was in the classroom of his mother, Felicidad Gemo, who was a school teacher. As the eldest child, Victor had many responsibilities, in the mornings before school he would take his grandfather’s cows and carabaos to pasture and after school he would return to get them. He liked to go fishing and play with his many cousins from his mother’s siblings.

In 1959 Victor joined the United States Navy and travelled the world. But in 1966 Victor met a beautiful young nurse named Araceli Firmalo at a party in Philadelphia. He was one of two hopeful suitors who called her the next day and despite her not remembering who he was when he first called, Victor was able to win her over and they were married in 1968. Cely and Vic had three children; Michelle, Ben Francis and Virgilio. The family was stationed in Kingsville, Texas for two years and then settled in San Diego’s South Bay area thereafter.

After 22 years in the Navy he retired as a Chief Petty Officer in 1981. He then had a brief stint in the Merchant Marines and then worked for the United States Post Office for 18 years (1984-2002).

Victor liked fishing and weightlifting. He loved watching ALL sports, especially his favorite football team, the San Francisco 49ers. And if there was an opportunity to perform karaoke, his choice would be his favorite singer Elvis Presley. He was a member of bowling leagues and the Freemasons, liked watching nature/animal TV shows, the Filipino Channel (TFC), Westerns and James Bond movies and going to casinos. He never won big on the slots, but his kids and wife knew when he did well on the football pool at work because he would share his winnings.

In his retirement years, Victor was happy to be “Papa” to his two grandsons; Adam (from daughter Michelle and her husband Mike) and Sol-El (from son Virgil and his wife Angel). He was a tough fighter against his lung cancer and renal disease until God called him home to rest. Victor was beloved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends and all who knew him.