Antonio Velitario Elopre

Antonio Elopre, 70, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and the favorite uncle to many in the United States and the Philippines, passed away peacefully on February 12th, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Stockton, California.

Antonio was born on January 17, 1955, to Severina Velitario and Julian Elopre in San Ramon, Camarines Sur, Philippines. The youngest of eight siblings, he attended grade school in Nabua, Camarines Sur. In 1978, he earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Criminology from The University of St. Anthony, Iriga City, Philippines. In 1981, he married Wilhelmina Gavina Reyes, and they built a loving family with three children: Julie Anne, Anthony, and Liana. Antonio came to the United States and enlisted in the U.S Army, serving with distinction from 1980 to 2006 on active duty, and retiring as a Master Sergeant (E-8). He excelled while serving in the 82nd Airborne, earning a leadership role as a Non-Commissioned Officer while on airborne status. His dedicated service included roles as a Military Policeman and, for over 26 years, as a Petroleum Supply and Water Purification specialist, demonstrating his versatility and commitment. He proudly received qualifications as a Master Fitness Trainer and Combatives Instructor. Antonio’s service also included postings at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia; Camp Grafton, North Dakota; Hanau, Germany; and Camp Casey, South Korea. He was a highly decorated combat veteran, serving on numerous deployments and earning recognition for his exemplary service, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, a member of the War Memorial Museum, and the Army Achievement Medal, among others.

Following his active duty retirement, he continued to serve his country as a military instructor for 13 years at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia, and in Camp Zama, Japan. At every duty station and deployment, Antonio was deeply involved in the Catholic Church, often lending his voice to church choirs, and supporting the celebration of mass. His unwavering faith was evident in his commitment to putting God first, modeling prayer and Bible study for all who knew him. Following his retirement, Antonio remained active as a dedicated member of Saint James Catholic Church Parish, (Hopewell, Virginia) contributing to the choir and serving a term as a parish council officer. He also participated actively in Cursillo and Couples for Christ. He also participated in his community as a member of the Tri-Cities Filipino-American Association in Virginia, serving multiple terms as president, vice president, and on the Board of Directors. In his final years of life, Antonio dedicated his leisure time reading case law at the University of the Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) School of Law in Iriga City, Philippines. As a lifelong learner, he was a true believer in the power of education to address poverty, and he helped many of his family and friends in the Philippines to afford school tuition throughout his life. While pursuing his academic curiosity in the law, Antonio also worked towards building various spiritual and philanthropic projects in the Philippines. With his wife, he founded the Spiritual and Learning Center in San Ramon, Nabua, Philippines during COVID-19 to address the needs of his hometown. His work led to the establishment of a non-profit organization, Elopre-Velitario Spiritual and Learning Center Corporated (ELOVEL), through which his work continues. Antonio Elopre found joy in the simple things; running, tennis, raising goats, gardening, and fishing. He will be remembered for fishing at all hours of the day and night, through rain, sleet, and snow. Constantly active and always starting a new adventure, he was known for earning an enormous amount of frequent flyer miles, and for driving hours across state lines on surprise visits to see family and friends with whom he would share his jokes and laughter.

Antonio is survived by his beloved wife, Wilhelmina, and his children: Julie Anne (husband Eric), Anthony (wife Rosalie, children Victoria and Julian), and Liana (husband Ahmed, children Ahana Lee and Amila Rey); and his brothers Tito Elopre, Clarito Elopre, and Jose Elopre.