Virgilio Guillermo

Virgilio C. Guillermo went to his eternal resting place in Heaven on Sunday, January 19, 2025 after battling a recent cancer diagnosis. Gil, as he was commonly called, was born in Villa Verde in Nueva Vizcaya province, Philippines on March 19, 1942. He achieved his Bachelors of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from National University in Manila, Philippines. After college graduation, he joined the love of his life, Violeta, in the U.S. He started his Civil Engineering career in Flint, MI at Flint Surveying & Engineering Company. He led various road and infrastructure projects in Genessee County and surrounding areas. Gil also achieved his Professional Engineering license. He was well respected for his intellect, problem solving, and ability to get along with everyone that he interacted with. He proudly worked there for >20 years before retiring and moving to Florida with his beloved wife Violeta.

During a brief period, dad co-owned a Filipino food restaurant in Flint with Violeta and dear close friends. He enjoyed grilling for family and other gatherings. He also enjoyed attending events especially as a member of the Pilipino American Association of Greater Flint (PAAGF) while in Michigan and similar association events in Florida. He was also very handy, working on small building projects.

Gil had several passions for the outdoors. He very much enjoyed shore fishing. He proudly shared this passion with Violeta, family and relatives who would visit. He also shared this passion with his kids, grandchildren and the children he and Violeta cared for.

In addition, Gil enjoyed gardening. This was one of his languages of love. His Florida gardens were adorned with various orchids, azaleas, roses, Birds of Paradise to name a few. His favorite flower was the Midnight Jasmine that would only bloom and release its sweet fragrance in the evening. He had a green thumb successfully growing Filipino vegetables, the miracle Moringa trees, avocados, mangos, and other exotic fruits. Many family members and friends took delight in the fruits and vegetables that he had grown. Gil happily shared his harvest as an expression of his love.

Gil enjoyed many road trips with the family to visit relatives and to tour the various states. He also cruised around the world with Violeta and relatives. He welcomed and looked forward to frequent visits with the family.

Gil was known for expressing the fruit of the Holy Spirit through love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, and gentleness. He was also so helpful, hospitable, and generous. He was always there for his kids supporting them throughout their education and all seasons of life. He spent quality time with the family. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their sporting events for the times he could be there. While in and out of the hospitals in FL, MI, and the Karmanos Weinberg Cancer Treatment Center at Farmington Hills, many healthcare team members spoke highly of Gil. He, in their words, was known for his sweet, polite, and gentle soul while they treated him.

Gil will be treasured as a loving and dedicated husband to Violeta for 54 years, and the best father to his kids and Lolo to his grandchildren. He will also be remembered as a supportive and kindhearted relative, friend and neighbor.

Gil is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Violeta (d. 2022) and his parents Eusebio Guillermo and Alfonsa Guilet.

Gil is survived by his children, Verna (Dave) Talcott, Vernon (Grace) Guillermo; grandchildren, Shea, Mya, Alyssa; siblings, Felicitas Omli, Gloria Guilet, Jesse Guilet, James Guilet, and cousins and their families.

Visitation and funeral mass for Gil will be on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Church of the Holy Spirit, 3700 Harvey Lake Rd., Highland Township, MI. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Gil’s funeral mass will start at 12:00 p.m. Guests are welcome to join a luncheon and share memories of Gil immediately following at 1:30pm at Elton Black & Sons Funeral Home, 3295 E. Highland Rd, Highland Township, MI.