Joey Benito Cepeda's Obituary
Joey took his final breath on March 29, 2018, at the age of 69, with his hands lovingly held by Loling, Michelle, and Joey. He was surrounded by the love and warmth of his grandchildren, twin sister, sister, brother, and many of his closest friends and family. Joey is a veteran of the United States Army who took great pride in serving his country. After his service, he moved to Guam and worked for several financial institutions becoming Vice President of American Savings and Loan. Joey found his true calling as General Manager of the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) where promoting the island he so loved became a part of his soul. He also worked in the hotel industry serving in management and completed his career at the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA). Due to an immediate need for a heart transplant, Joey was forced to leave Guam and return to his childhood stomping grounds in San Diego, CA. For most, the ailments of which Joey suffered would likely hinder their zest for life and deter their physical activities…but not our Joey. He remained steadfast and committed to continuing his service to the island by his tireless efforts to the future House of Chamorro at Balboa Park. He made it his life’s work to promote, protect, and preserve the Chamorro culture and dedicated his life to serving others. Joey’s LOVE ran deep…VERY DEEP. Anyone who knew him felt his unconditional love. We are truly the lucky ones because he never forgot to tell you just how much he loved you. He simply made you feel special. This rare type of LOVE is a lesson for all to cherish, practice, and pay forward. It was, is, and will always be Joey’s greatest legacy and gift to the world!Joey will be met at the Gates of Heaven by his parents, †Jose C. & †Barbara Benito Cepeda, and father-in-law, †Alex James Aflague. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Dolores “Loling” Cepeda. Together they have two children: Children: Michelle Aflague Cepeda & Carlo Nicolicchia, and Joseph Phillip Aflague Cepeda. Grandchildren: Tyler Ray Cepeda, Joie Rose Blas, Austia Mykal Mendiola, Aceson Michael Mendiola, Brooke Elizabeth Fisher, and Joey Benito Cepeda Nicolicchia. Joey’s Brothers & Sisters: Janet G. & †Elias Diaz, his twin – Marie B. & John Aguon, Thomas A. Cepeda, Vanessa C. Quitugua, Albert E. Cepeda, James R. & Sophia Cepeda, and Sandrina Ann Cepeda. Mother-in-Law: Lagrimas “Ama” Flores Aflague. Brothers & Sisters In Law: Lagrimas “Pinki” A. & Victor Lujan, Alexander “Ken” & Tina Aflague, and Faye & Tom Vasapolli. Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends from all over the world survive our beloved Joey!The family invites you to join them in celebrating Joey with one last hoorah in his honor. Joey’s Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at Greenwood Memorial Park’s Garden Chapel, 4300 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA. Public viewing from 11am to 12:45pm, Celebration of Life begins at 1:00pm, with reception to immediately follow
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