Van-John Abanes Asuncion

January 27, 1966 – October 3, 2026

Van-John "VJ" Asuncion, (Major, USAF, Ret.), age 60, of Waipahu, Hawaii, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Queens, New York, to his loving mother, Evangeline Fran Abanes, and his late father, Juan Asuncion, VJ spent his early years raised by his grandparents in the Philippines alongside his siblings, Erich and Michelle. After attending Benedictine Abbey High School, he returned to the United States to complete his education. Inspired by his grandfather and uncles who served in the Philippine Armed Forces, VJ fulfilled his lifelong dream of joining the U.S. military. While serving on active duty, he earned an Associate Degree from the Community College of the Air Force and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University.

VJ proudly served over two decades in the United States Air Force, starting as an Aircraft Systems Specialist and later commissioning as an Intelligence Officer. His distinguished career took him across the globe with assignments in New York, South Korea, Germany, Colorado, California, and Washington, D.C., along with tours in Spain, Italy, Belgium, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Among his many decorations, he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal. Following his retirement from active duty as a Major in 2010, VJ continued safeguarding the nation as a Senior Staff Intelligence Analyst with Lockheed Martin in Washington, D.C., supporting defense operations in Afghanistan through 2014.

In his civilian chapter, VJ reconnected with family and friends, including his high school sweetheart, Gina. Driven by a spirit of adventure and wanderlust, a vacation to Hawaii revealed a place that truly felt like home. In 2019, VJ and Gina relocated to Oahu, where VJ brought his extensive aviation expertise to the local community, working with Mokulele Airlines from 2021 to early 2025. Following his time with Mokulele Airlines, VJ was eager to enjoy his well-earned golden years in paradise. When unexpectedly diagnosed with lung cancer in July 2025, he faced his battle with remarkable courage — ever a fighter and a true warrior, choosing to live life to its absolute fullest alongside those he cherished.

Above all his professional accomplishments, VJ’s greatest joy was his family. He was a proud, loving father to Arhianna and Aaren, and cherished building a family alongside their mother, Elna. In the years that followed, he built a life with his partner and, in his final years, devoted caregiver, Gina. VJ deeply treasured gatherings across Oahu, the U.S. mainland, and the Philippines, quiet moments on the lanai, and creating a warm, welcoming home for all who shared his company.

WORDS TO LIVE BY

Throughout his military service and civilian life, VJ lived by the Air Force core principles he strived to inspire in everyone around him:

"Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence In All We Do."

He is survived by his children, Arhianna and Aaren, and their mother, Elna; his partner, Gina; his mother, Evangeline; his siblings, Erich and Michelle; and a wide circle of extended family, military comrades, and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Juan Asuncion.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly suggest memorial contributions be made to honor VJ’s legacy of service:

● Air & Space Forces Association (AFA)

● Fisher House Foundation

● Or a veterans charity of your choice

Schedule of Services & Celebrations of Life

November 11, 2026 — Celebration of Life & Tributes

● Location: Ballard Family Moanalua Mortuary

● Address: 1150 Kikowaena St, Honolulu, HI 96819

● Schedule:

○ 12:00 PM — Prayer Service & Tributes

○ 1:00 PM — Visitation & Gathering

○ 3:30 PM — Private Family Farewell

○ 4:00 PM — Conclusion

● Attire: Off-white or pastel colors

● Live Stream: For those unable to attend in person, the November 11 service will be live streamed. A link to the live stream will be provided prior to the service.

November 13, 2026 — Memorial Mass & Military Inurnment

● 11:00 AM — Memorial Mass

○ Location: Resurrection of the Lord Catholic Church

○ Address: 94-1260 Lumikula St, Waipahu, HI 96797

○ Attire: Church-appropriate attire (pants or dresses)

● 2:00 PM — Inurnment & Military Honors

○ Location: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl)

○ Address: 2177 Puowaina Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813

○ Attire: Off-white or pastel colors; comfortable walking shoes recommended