Lovy Manabat Catindig

Lovy Catindig was one of the greatest men to ever live, as confirmed by the innumerable friends and family who surrounded him. He left us to be reunited with the love of his life, Norma “Floogie” Catindig on January 6th, 2020. If the strength of a man’s legacy can be measured by the depth of the loss experienced by those left behind, few could be compared to him.

First born of six siblings to Pedro and Matea Manabat Catindig in Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines on March 18, 1940, Lovy left two loving sisters behind to cherish his memory, Linda C. Barroso and Lolita C. Ferry, and three brothers who went ahead of him to glory, Lolito, Lamberto and Luciano.

In August of 1959, Lovy joined the US Navy and began his military career. After completing training in San Diego, his first duty station was Norfolk, Virginia. In 1962, he was transferred to the USS Northampton (CC-1). From there he would eventually transfer to the USS Barton (DD-772), then to the Armed Forces Staff College, then to the USS Independence (CVA-62), then to the USS Coronado (LPD11). During his twenty-year career, he earned dozens of awards of merit and recognition. After retirement with the Navy, he would go on to work with Volvo, then move into Civil Service, from which he would eventually retire.

It was while he was initially stationed at Norfolk that he would meet the love of his life, Norma “Floogie” Phelps, at a USO dance. From that moment on, he only had eyes for her. After marrying in 1961, they would welcome a son, Troy, in 1962. Their second son, Steven, would follow in 1967. They had a wonderful marriage, filled with love and laughter. Norma, sadly, would precede Lovy to heaven in October of 1999. Lovy leaves behind son Troy and his wife Pam, and son Steven and his wife Shirl, as well as his grandchildren, Taylor Waldron (Ben), Haley Reed (Dorian), and Shelby Catindig. However, those names represent just a tiny fraction of the huge number of people who considered Lovy “family,” and are suffering from his loss at this time. There are too many to mention individually, but you know who you are and we thank you for being part of our world.

Lovy was a man with a passion for his family and friends. His sacrificial love knew no bounds. To prevent his family from having to constantly move around the country to follow him during his Navy career, he would sign up for ship tours over shore duty, so his beloved Floogie and boys could remain in Norfolk near her extended family for support. His life was about service to others. He would give—never mentioning or seeking acknowledgement of his gift. It was all pure joy for him.

His grandchildren were the delight of his life. He would spend hours in the dojo just to watch them practice karate, then take them for shopping sprees and Busch Gardens trips. He loved to play golf with his boys, take the family to Disney World and go on Caribbean cruises with the entire clan. He invested time in people the way others invest money in the stock market—and because of that, he saw incredible returns—supernatural increases. In the things that truly matter, he was a very rich man.

Everyone in the family’s large circle of friends wanted to adopt Lovy “Pop” as their own. He was the true epitome of the perfect family patriarch. Leading, loving, caring and always making excuses for others’ poor behaviors, choices or missteps. People always came first over projects or profits.

Many, many will miss him, but we all rejoice in the fact we will see him again. His decision to rely on Jesus as his Lord and Savior ensures we’ll all be reunited. We can rest in that. So, until then, Bon Voyage, Pop. We love you.

A Celebration of Life for Lovy Catindig will be held Sunday, January 12, 2020 at 5PM at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. A reception will follow. All are welcomed.