Arnulfo Opilla

Arnulfo “Ernie” Laplap Opilla, 89, passed away peacefully on the evening of February 10, 2026, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Palo Alto, California in the presence of his loving wife Rosalina "Rosie" C. Opilla and family members.

Ernie was born on August 16, 1936, in Manila, Philippines, to Teodorico N. Opilla of Inabay, Bohol and Feliciana Mortrera Laplap of Cabalian, Leyte. As a boy, he loved music, played the tuba in the school band and learned to play the guitar. Raised in a war-torn Philippines with humble beginnings, he learned early from his father the value of hard work and perseverance. At thirteen years old he lost his mother to tuberculosis, and he witnessed his father’s love, dedication and resolve to support him; traits which he carried throughout his own military and family life.

As a teenager, he held several jobs while working aboard the base at United States Naval Station Sangley Point in Cavite City, where his father was employed. Whether it was landscaping lawns for base housing residents or stocking shelves at the base commissary, he was reminded by his father to do his best at every job and task he was assigned. The war disrupted his education, but in 1955 he eventually graduated from Cavite National High School and dreamed of a better life with the United States Navy.

In July of 1956, that dream came true, and he enlisted into the US Navy, marking the beginning of a distinguished and honorable 21-year military career. Ernie served in a variety of supply and logistics billets – primarily as a storekeeper, excelling in materials handling, stores organization, warehousing operations and transportation management. Recognized for his technical proficiency and leadership skills, he was promoted quickly to the rank of E7 and earned the rating of Storekeeper Chief (SKC).

The “Chief” was especially proud of his deployments to Vietnam supporting the US Marines, but was equally gratified with his other assignments (in order) at Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii; Naval Ammunition Depot, Oahu, Hawaii; USS Edmonds (DE 406); Naval Supply Depot, Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines; US Fleet Anti-Air Warfare Weapons Training Center San Diego, California; USS Stone County (LST 1141); US Naval Station Midway Island; Naval Air Station GLYNCO, Georgia; U. S. Naval Station Keflavik, Iceland, and finally as a member of the Staff, Commander Service Group One in Oakland, California.

At each of his Navy assignments, Ernie and Rosie quickly established close friendships with other Navy families at each duty station within the Filipino community, coming together to share dinners, laughs, and stories of the Philippines while gladly welcoming them and their children as lifelong members of their own family.

When off duty, he encouraged his children to participate in youth sports, and he was active in coaching his son’s youth baseball teams. Later in retirement he would take his daughter Michelle to singing competitions and beam each time she won an award. Above all, he spoke of the importance of good grades, and the significance of completing higher education and the opportunities they presented. In the Navy he personally participated in team sports such as volleyball and bowling with his assigned unit wherever he was stationed. Ever faithful to the Catholic church, Ernie and Rosie made sure their sons served as altar boys which sometimes included double shifts on Sundays.

In January 1978, with over 21 years of faithful service on active duty, Chief Opilla was honorably discharged. Through it all Rosie was by his side, earning the title “Navy Wife”, commonly known to be the most difficult job in the Navy. During his career, the US Navy recognized his service with many letters of appreciation and certificates of accomplishments, along with personal medals and unit awards, a reflection of his selfless commitment to his adopted country.

Immediately following his military career, he continued his support to the national security of the United States as a defense contractor. Once again, he leveraged his storekeeping and warehousing expertise in a variety of stores and warehousing positions, working for defense contracting giants which included FMC and Lockheed Missiles and Space Company. Throughout his civilian career, he continued to earn praise and received many individual and team awards.

Ernie’s life was grounded in simple joys and steady devotion to family life. He became a fan of the San Francisco 49ers football team, the Golden State Warriors basketball team and the Oakland Athletics baseball team. He enjoyed helping Rosie with her garden and helping with her home business making Filipino foods. Together they hosted countless dinners and mahjong games for family and friends, during which Ernie was more than willing to sing his favorite karaoke songs.

He was a member of the San Jose Breakfast Club, a group of retired military veterans, Filipino friends and wives in the Santa Clara County area. He and Rosie took annual vacations back to the Philippines, sometimes with members of the breakfast club. They shared many laughs along the way, talked about their Navy careers, shared their children’s accomplishments and more. Ernie lived an honest, selfless and purposeful life; he was a loyal husband, a loving and caring father, and Lolo (Grandfather).

Ernie was kindhearted, socially gifted and eager to assist a friend; He loved the US Navy and with his sharp memory he spoke with pride about his Navy service; Long after Ernie’s retirement from the US Navy, it was not uncommon for his former shipmates to contact him, travel to San Jose, laugh at old stories, and thank him for his guidance and leadership. He leaves behind a legacy of honorable service, hard work, quiet strength, and a never-quit attitude.

He leaves behind many loved ones. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Rosalina C. Opilla, and his sons Ricardo C. Opilla, Lieutenant Colonel Jimmie C. Opilla US Marine Corps Retired, Lieutenant Colonel Edward C. Opilla US Army Retired, daughter Michelle C. Opilla, and Ricardo’s wife Shannon Higgins Opilla.

There’s nothing Lolo loved more than his legacy - his grandchildren. They always gave Lolo such pride with their achievements. It filled his heart to have his grandkids nearby. From the early years of calling them “ipis” to the day he left us, Lolo adored each of his grandkids. Ryan, Shea, Kasey and Patrick will carry Lolo’s love in their hearts forever.

Ernie’s father went on to marry Mercedes Tabios, whose marriage gave him four stepbrothers and a stepsister. Ernie was predeceased by his father Teodorico, his mother Feliciana, stepmother Mercedes and stepbrother Roman. He is also survived by his stepbrothers Renato T. Opilla, Teresa T. Maranan (Opilla), Rafael T. Opilla, and Ernesto T. Opilla, as well as extended family and friends who loved him dearly.

To those who knew him he had many names: Arnulfo, Erning, Ernie, Shipmate, Chief, Dad, Pare, Compadre, Kuya, Tito, Uncle, Mr. Opilla and Lolo. The tuba is long gone. The guitar is a distant memory. The Navy has newer and younger sailors to man her ships. But Ernie’s love of family, the Navy, and music will live on; and he will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives he touched, who find comfort and peace knowing he is forever in the loving care of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Godspeed Chief, Fair Winds and Following Seas.