Emilio T. Bumanglag's Obituary
Emilio Tamayo Bumanglag, 90, of Waipahu, Hawaii, passed away peacefully on Nov. 3, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his beloved Wife of 67 years, Lucia Bumanglag, and his devoted daughters and their husbands, Leriza Eder (Inocencio), Joni Redick-Yundt (Thomas), Adele Cristobal (Rogie), and Nikky Leahey (Peter). Emilio is also survived by his six loving grandchildren (Jason, Rodelynn, Lionel, Ray, Jessica, Sean) and five great-grandchildren (Olive, Enzo, Luna, Legend, Santino), a devoted nephew Edison Bumanglag (Tessie) amongst many more nieces and nephews.
Previously departed loved ones include his daughter Luthgarda Bumanglag, grandson Phillip Godoy, and 12 brothers and sisters.
Emilio was born April 6, 1932, to Abdon Bumanglag and Dionicia Tamayo in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. After courting Lucia, riding on his carabao just to see her, they married on May 2, 1955 and were blessed with five daughters. He then emigrated to Hawaii in the late 1960's where he lived and worked until the family was finally able to join him in 1974.
He took pride in being a construction worker where he was greatly appreciated by his bosses and co-workers and was a loyal member of the Hawaii Laborer's Union. He often pointed out the many buildings he helped build and attended all the Union meetings until he was no longer physically able. He retired at age 62, fully enjoying 28 more years with his one and only beloved wife Lucia and their family.
Emilio enjoyed working in the yard tending to his chickens, snail pond, and harvesting from his many trees and vegetables (mangoes, coconuts, avocados, pakak, alocon, etc...) then sharing the bounty with family and friends as well as sell to local Filipino stores. Another favorite past time was traveling with his wife, venturing off multiple times to places like Arizona, California, Las Vegas, NYC, New England, and Quebec City, Canada. On their nearly annual trip to Boston, they often took the Peter Pan Bus to the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut where he won several large jackpots!
Emilio was a man of strong Catholic faith, fun loving, and strove for peace and harmony with and for everyone. He was always ready with a huge smile and a generous wave of his hand! He loved having his immediate and extended family gather at his home on special occasions and holidays and was famous for his New Year's Eve Arroz Caldo. He loved being the life of the party and often took over the microphone to recite his poems, sing, or make speeches. He coined the phrase "Love, Love One Another" often adding "and Live Happily Together!" This quote embodies the best of Emilio and how he chose to live his life. Everyone who met him recognized this beautiful quality to be pure and genuine.
Four years ago, he was hospitalized and sent home with hospice care. However, he fought hard to regain his health and six months later 'graduated' out of hospice (a rarity we've been told). The result was he enjoyed another four years at home where he was lovingly cared for by his wife, daughters, and the many care givers who all became part of our family. His determination allowed him to greet three more great grandchildren into the world as well as celebrate his 67th wedding anniversary and his 90th birthday!
Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to ALL the wonderful Caregivers throughout these past four years, especially Encar who was there for almost the entire journey until the very end. Also to Lillia and Paz who were saviors when it all began, Tessie for always being there when we need her, and everyone else in between who came and touched our lives for the better. Your hard work, patience, and love you've bestowed not only on Emilio but our entire family will never be forgotten. A heartfelt THANK YOU also to Safe Harbor and Heaven's Helpers for employing the best care givers, and Island's Hospice for the support and care from your wonderful team. Last but not least, sincere gratitude to Noe and Dr. Nuanez from Kaiser Permanente!
FUNERAL SERVICE will be on Wednesday Dec 21, 2022, at St, Joseph Catholic Church in Waipahu.
PUBLIC VISITATION will be from 10:00 to 11:00. MASS will begin at 11:00am.
BURIAL to follow at 1:00pm at Valley of The Temples Memorial Park.
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