Jose B. Tuballes

Jose Busil Tuballes, affectionately known as Pepe or Joe, of Jamaica Estates, NY passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at the age of 77, after his ongoing battle from liver cancer these past two and half years. He died peacefully with his beloved wife Girlie and their children by his side.

Jose was born in the small town of Palanguia, Pototan, Iloilo, Philippines in February 1945 to his father Jesus Tuballes and mother Gregoria Busil. The oldest of thirteen children, Pepe “fetched” water in the dark to help his beloved mother and family. He helped out on his family’s farm and learned the value of work at an early age. His strong work ethic and desire to take care of his family led him to immigrate to New York City in 1969 at the age of 24. A New Yorker through and through, Jose never desired to move away from his beloved city.

Jose will always be known for his generosity and big heart. He was a devout Catholic and was a hard working, dedicated member of the healthcare community. Jose worked at both the Special Chemistry Lab at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital for 39 years and the Blood Bank at St. John's Episcopal Hospital South Shore for 40 years. Upon his retirement, he continued his world adventures with his dear wife. If not traveling, he enjoyed the blackjack tables trying to beat the house.

Jose is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mrs. Girlie Duran Tuballes, their four children; Kevin, Jeffrey, Johanna and Gregory, daughter in-laws, Christina and Laura, and his three grandchildren: Tristan Benjamin, Graham Joseph, and Amelia Josephine. Jose is also survived by siblings, Mildred, Grace, Maria Aude, Higino, Romulo, Amado and Eric. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Rex, Antonio, Christopher, Joseph, and Napoleon. Jose also leaves behind countless cousins, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, friends and loving in-laws.

His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he interacted with as well as those he reached but never met. Share your stories of remembrance on Thursday, December 15th, 2022, at Frederick Funeral Home from 3-5 p.m and 7-9 p.m. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, Jamaica NY on December 16th, 2022 at 9:30 a.m.

Jose would have spoken of his gratitude to the medical staff at Mount Sinai, Queens Hospital, Northwell at North Shore, Long Island Jewish, and Mary Ann Tully Hospice Inn. Finally, Jose and his family are grateful for all the cancer research and clinical study trials done behind the scenes that gave him the gift of more time to enjoy his family, grandchildren, and lastly, closure of a wonderful fulfilling life.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frederick-fh.com for the Tuballes family.