Hermenegildo Balbin Motas Sr.

Hermenegildo Balbin Motas Sr., known fondly as Erning, Hermen, Lolo, Dad, and many other names of endearment, was born on April 14, 1932, in Villasis, Pangasinan, Philippines, to Ambrosio Elevaso and Maria Oliveras Motas. One of eleven children, he grew up on a humble farm, where he learned the values of hard work, sacrifice, and family unity.

As a boy, he helped his family tend their land and endured the hardships of World War II, narrowly surviving an accident while fleeing from Japanese forces. These early struggles shaped his strength, resilience, and determination to build a better life.

With the support of his sister Dominga “Turing,” Hermenegildo earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Feati University in Manila in 1961. He worked his way up to Department Head Engineer at a U.S. Automotive company before fate introduced him to the love of his life, Marcelina Villanueva Emperador, a nursing student and later midwife. They married on January 30, 1966, and built a beautiful family together with three children: Melanie, Hermenegildo Jr., and Marites.

In 1972, driven by dreams for his family’s future, Hermenegildo migrated to the United States, eventually settling in San Francisco, California. He worked tirelessly—sometimes juggling three jobs—to provide for his family and build their first home. Later, the family moved to Fremont, where he spent 37 wonderful years surrounded by loved ones, watching his children marry and welcoming his beloved grandchildren: Ashlyn Gianna, Devin Romen, Austin Bryan, Skylar Gillian, Malaysia Alana, and Hayden Jeovanni.

Hermenegildo was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. A man of quiet faith and integrity, he lived simply but fully—gardening, fishing, fixing things with his hands, and enjoying music, especially the timeless songs of Nat King Cole. One of his favorite pastimes was to watch or listen to a Giants game and watch WWE wrestling on the television. His heart belonged to Marcelina, and after her passing in 2016, he carried her memory with him every day.

After a series of strokes, Hermenegildo passed peacefully at home on October 14, 2025, surrounded by family. He was 93 years old.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, humility, and faith—a life well-lived and a family forever grateful for his example.

May he rest in eternal peace, reunited with his beloved Marcelina under the glory of God.