Jerry E Herbilla's Obituary
Jerry Elequin Herbilla
April 25, 1941- September 14, 2022
On Wednesday, September 14, 2022, Jerry Elequin Herbilla, Sr. passed away in San Diego, CA. He will be greatly missed by family and friends across the globe. Jerry was born on April 25, 1941 in San Remegio, Antique, in the Philippines, the second child of Victor Camacho Herbilla and Natividad Enson Elequin. He attended Central Philippine University (CPU) where he studied pre-law. At 19, he followed in the footsteps of his Uncle Vincente Elequin, Sr., who was instrumental in his formative years, by joining the U.S. Navy.
After spending the first 10 years of his service traveling around the world to far-off places such as Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, Hong Kong and Japan, he was stationed in Puerto Rico, where, at a dance, he met the love of his life. A whirlwind romance commenced that included letters written in English from him and in Spanish from her that had to be translated by interpreters. Then, following their determined courtship, Jerry married Aurea Aponte Gonzalez on May 16, 1970 in Puerto Rico. After a brief honeymoon, the newlyweds embraced the life of a serviceman and spent time in Rhode Island, the Midwest, and Puerto Rico. In 1971, they welcomed their first child, Douglas Marty Herbilla into the world in Crane, Indiana. Jerry Gonzalez Herbilla, Jr. was born in 1973 in Great Lakes, Illinois. Priscilla Gonzalez Herbilla (Venegas) was born in 1975 in Puerto Rico. Their youngest daughter, Christie Inez Gonzalez Herbilla (Yorty) was born post-retirement in 1983 in San Diego.
Across his years serving in the U.S. Navy, Jerry achieved Yeoman Rating Petty Officer, 1st Class (YN1). After retiring in 1980 from active duty in the U.S. Navy, Jerry worked as a civil servant for the U.S. Navy in their Legal Services Department for an additional 15 years. A lifelong learner, Jerry completed his bachelor’s degree at Inter American University of Puerto Rico. He also earned a Master of Business Administration in Real Estate and Legal Studies from National University.
Over the years, Jerry participated in the Southern California region’s Antique Association and Central Philippine University Alumni Association to maintain his connection to the Filipino community in San Diego. He developed lifelong friendships as a longtime member of Bay View Baptist Church where he will be greatly missed.
The role Jerry was most proud of was that of a family man. Jerry and Aurea celebrated 52 years of marriage in 2022. The two of them loved to laugh together, share so many delicious meals together, and enjoyed the various guests that visited their home over the years. Through thick and thin, Jerry and Aurea were always there for each other; they are known to be the best dancing duo at every family wedding and other grand celebrations.
Together they most enjoyed their never-ending roles of being parents to Doug, Jerry Jr., Priscilla, and Christie to whom they always showed their pride and support in all of their endeavors. Jerry relished his role as Grandpa, caring for and doting on grandson, Gabriel, and was overjoyed to welcome Cambria into the world on August 30, 2022.
Jerry was known to his large extended family as the Master Chef who for years prepared the holiday turkey and ham for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. He would always don a Santa cap as he passed out each of the Christmas gifts to all of the guests gathered at his home for the celebration. His legacy is one of commitment to his family, lifelong learning, and to this country that provided him the opportunity to pursue happiness on his own terms.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Aurea; his children: Doug, Jerry Jr., Priscilla (Martin) and Christie (Aaron); his grandchildren, Gabriel and Cambria; his sister, Vina Morales, and brothers, Victor Jonathan, Lemuel, and Marsi Herbilla, along with their families.
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