Tribute to ZAI Past Presidents

 

In Memoriam

Angel C. Dajon October 2, 1926 - December 14, 2006

Angel C. Dajon, MSCS (SS), USN (RET.), at the age of 80, went to be with Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, December 14, 2006. He was born October 2, 1926, in Cambangan Zambales, Philippine Islands to the late Mariano and Severina Dajon. He proudly served in the United States Navy, joining the U.S. Submarine Warfare Division from the Philippine Islands during World War II. After serving 30 years, he retired as a Senior Chief.

As the first Filipino post commander in the region of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 4809, the fourth president of the Filipino American Veterans of Tidewater, the first president of the Zambales Association, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Cultural Center, he participated in many community events to celebrate the Philippine American friendship and community. He held at Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Saint Leo University in Florida and was a professional caterer and food consultant.

He was a member of Saint Mark's Catholic Church where he served as Parish Council Member, Parish Catechist for High School Students, Lector and Lay Minister, and member of Knights of Columbus as a fourth degree. He loved catering, fishing, and gardening, but his deepest love was his beloved family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and will be deeply missed. Read more ...

Robert Acay Floresca,  May 6, 1932 - April 18, 2009 (76)

Roberto Acay Floresca, 76, of the 4700 block of Longmont Road, passed away April 18, 2009, in Sentara Leigh Hospital. A native of Zambales, Philippines, he was the son of the late Cipriano and Margarita Floresca. He retired from the United States Navy and Civil Service. He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He was Past-President of the Zambales Association, Inc., belonged to the Fil-Am Veterans of Hampton Roads, the Tarlaquenos and the Zambales Academy Alumni Association. Read more

Apolonio Ferrer Fontanares 

Apolonio Ferrer Fontanares, 87, passed away on March 19, 2019, lovingly surrounded by his family. He was married to his "roommate" Felicitas Fontanares, his wife of 56 years. He is survived by his daughter Dr. Arlene Fontanares and son-in-law Dr. Christopher Asuncion, his son Alan Fontanares, and grandsons Anthony Paul and Christopher Thomas Asuncion. "Manong Polon," as he is known by many, was born in San Felipe, Zambales in the Philippines. He and Fely left everything behind in the Philippines, including his pet water buffalo, Lakay. He joined the United States Coast Guard and retired as a chief petty officer after serving for 22 years. His domain was in the galley, both on the ship and at home. Out of the galley, he could be found whistling in his "office" planting, watering, or harvesting his bounty of vegetables, rooting for "Bankrupt" and the "Daily Double," or cheering for the good guy to jump off the top turnbuckle for the knock-out body slam. Read more 

Rogelio G. Caja 

Rogelio G. Caja, 67, of the 1300 block of Carlton Ct., passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2009, at a local hospital.

Rogelio was a retired Petty Officer 1st Class having served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years. He was also retired from civil service after 20 years. Rogelio was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the Fleet Reserve Association. He was also the past president of the Zambales Association of Tidewater and life member of Zambalenoes Inc. of Washington, D.C. Read more 

Jun Davalos Sacbibit 

Jun Davalos Sacbibit, 79, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on January 17, 2019, amongst family. Born in San Narciso, Zambales, Philippines, he was the son of late Patricio Sacbibit, Sr. and Marcela Davalos. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Fe Floresca Sacbibit, sons Russell Sacbibit, Ruel Jay Sacbibit, and Patrick Sacbibit, grandchildren Evan Sacbibit, Owen Sacbibit, and Talex Sacbibit. Having grown up in a small farm in San Narciso and after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Commerce from Far Eastern University (a sister school of Harvard University), Jun enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he was a Yeoman, First Class, served for 20 years, and had tours of duty in Vietnam and first Gulf War. He retired as a Master Deputy Sheriff for the City of Norfolk, where he served the City for 22 years and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was active in the Filipino-American community in the Tidewater area and was a member and former President of the Zambales Association of Tidewater, Inc. and member of the United Ilocano Association of Tidewater. Not only that, but he also served as past President of Zambales Academy Alumni Association International. Read more 

Freddie dela Cruz Sr. - 1922 - 2017 (94)

Freddie dela Cruz was born on October 14, 1922, in San Marcelino, Zambales, Philippines. In 1945, he joined the United States Navy. On June 27, 1948, Freddie received his Certificate of Naturalization, becoming a United States citizen. He achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer and proudly retired after 21 years of service. As a civilian, he used the leadership skills learned as a steward to begin his management career at McDonald's and Hardee's restaurants until he retired from actively working in 1984.

To reconnect with their heritage, he and Maria joined the Zambales Association of Tidewater. He served as business manager and became President from 1997 to 1999. Amongst their many accomplishments, Freddie and Maria were awarded Parents of the Year Award in 1995 and were recognized for Outstanding Service and Dedication for several years. Read more