Armando Verano Litonjua

Armando Verano Litonjua, 76, of Springfield, VA, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2018. He was surrounded by his family who will never forget his warm smile, affectionate hugs and distinct laugh. Armando was born in Hinatuan, Philippines to Luis and Francisca Litonjua on July 31, 1941. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and became a police officer for Quezon City. His claim to fame and one of his favorite stories to tell was working the security detail for Muhammad Ali when he visited the Philippines for the infamous Thrilla in Manila. He married Loyalty Cavero on August 15, 1970. Despite his love of his career as a police officer, he and his wife made the selfless decision to immigrate to the United States in 1978 in order to provide their children endless opportunities. He worked tirelessly, sometimes three jobs at a time, to provide for his family. He eventually landed the job of a lifetime at Gannett where he was an accountant for the newly started USA Today newspaper. He treasured his friends and his extended family. He spent many weekends playing mahjong, laughing it up with his kababayan (buddies). His family often referred to him as the “Candidato” because he was easy to get along with, making friends everywhere he went. When asked by a family member who had observed these friendly interactions “How do you know them?” a common response from Armando was “Oh, I don’t know - I just met them!” He was a surrogate “Papa and Lolo” to all his nieces and nephews and their children. At parties and get-togethers, you could always find him hovering around the little ones making sure they had enough to eat and offering to get them more lumpia. Afterwards, he was always available to snuggle on the couch and watch any sporting event…or offer some unsolicited advice. Despite not making it back to the Philippines often, he cherished his family in the Philippines, his sisters Remy de Guzman, Cristeta Escalera and Cuya Chiu and daughter Ruth Espino; their husbands and children. Armando is survived by the love of his life, Loyalty; his daughter Leah Moser and son-in-law Brian; his son Mannix Litonjua and daughter-in-law Kerry; and his true joy, his grandchildren Abbie, Gavin, Noah, and Adam. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, July 20, 2018 at National Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 21, 2018 at St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church. Burial will follow at National Memorial Park.