Didoy Celino Catabay, 91, passed away peacefully on January 9th in the comforts of his home in Portland, Oregon surrounded by his loved ones. Didoy was born on February 26, 1932 in Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines to Roman Catabay and Prescilla Celino Catabay. He was the fourth of eight children. On March 5th, 1955 Didoy married Irenia Lazo and together they would lovingly raise 4 daughters and 4 sons. A dedicated family man, Didoy approached parenthood with a sense of duty, ensuring that his children grew up with a solid foundation of values. Didoy would extend his care to his grandchildren as a hands-on and nurturing grandfather.
Didoy immigrated to the United States in 1977, settling in Portland where his brother Leovigildo resided. Didoy had a strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to excellence. In the Philippines, he tirelessly worked as a farmer and livestock broker. Didoy was also actively involved in leadership roles in the community serving many years as captain of his barangay. After relocating to Portland, he dedicated his career to Aramark until his retirement in 1995. Didoy took pleasure in storytelling, gambling, good food, and traveling home to the Philippines, and in his younger years, enjoyed fishing, crabbing, and gardening. What brought Didoy immense pride was witnessing the achievements of his grandchildren, particularly earning college and advanced degrees. He would happily travel across the country for every graduation. Didoy was a firm believer that education was the pathway for betterment in life.
Didoy is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years Irenia Lazo Catabay; children: Jenny Celino (Virgilio “Bill”), Lovigildo “Dante” Catabay (Tammy), Didoy Catabay, Junior (Christina), Bonifacio Catabay (Joy), Loida Allen, Roman Catabay (Annie), Eleanor Padaca, Laurena de la Paz (Delio); 26 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren; siblings: Pionalita Cabatic and Anacleto Catabay; and countless family friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Maria Catabay; siblings: Cedrico Catabay, Emelia Tugade, Dalmacio Catabay, Florentino Catabay, Leovigildo Catabay; and son in-law John Allen.
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