Vicente Ballesteros Nombrepia passed on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at the age of 94. Born on September 11, 1923 in Hagonoy, Bulacan, Philippines, he is the eldest child of Maria Reyes Ballesteros and Felix Enal Nombrepia. Vicente had an older step-sister and three younger siblings. His mother, Maria, died during Vicente's childhood. Vicente was raised primarily by his father and grew up in the municipality of Lucban, Quezon which is dubbed as the Art Capital of Quezon province. The arts would be an obvious passion in Vicente's later life. In his youth, Vicente excelled academically, finishing grade school as valedictorian.
In the outbreak of World War II, Vicente voluntarily enlisted in the Philippine Guerrillas to aid U.S. and Philippine troops of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) against Imperial Japanese invasion. Vicente served under US Army Air Corps major Bernard L. Anderson. Vicente contracted malaria, prompting his comrades to help him seek refuge in a secluded nipa hut.
After the war, Vicente had multiple endeavors in various academic courses including: fisheries, pre-med, and dentistry at the distinguished University of Santo Tomas. Around this time, he also married Aida Rañola (1927 - 2010): a fellow Lucban resident. His studies remained unfinished due to financial and personal reasons. After his 12-year-old Johnny became fatally ill, Vicente focused his time on family.
Vicente had exceptional artistic skill and advanced penmanship. At the publishing and printing company of Carmelo and Bauerman, Vicente found a career as a graphic artist that would last for decades. Outside of his job, Vicente was very active in the community. He commited his time to charitable organizations like the Holy Name Society, the Knights of Columbus and JC International Philippines. "The Boss" was a nickname for Vicente given to him by a well-known organization of young men in Lucban, The Falcons. He was also an advocate for youth programs. He used his athleticism to referee different sports whenever he wasn't either swimming, playing tennis, pelota or basketball with locals. On top of all this, he was an eloquent and natural public speaker in church mass and other activities. Vicente's charisma paired well with his musical aptitude. He loved playing the guitar, the drums, the harmonica and the accordion in addition to singing.
With the closing of Carmelo and Bauerman, Vicente spent his last years of profession as a graphic artist at the Nitz and Gibson's shoe company, as well as, designing billboards after moving to the United States. Vicente would dedicate his time to orating church events and social get-togethers.
Despite many trials in life, Vicente Nombrepia was not a man of defeat. He avoided complaining and self-pity, and, he surrounded himself with others.
Vicente and his wife Aida had five children together: Linda (deceased), Johnny (deceased), Jojo, Lita, and Mavee. In addition to his three daughters, Mr. Nombrepia is survived by his three sons-in-laws: Benny, Arnol and Erick--and six grandchildren: Brian, Mark, Francesca, Aidan, Mariella, and Martin.
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