Nelson Deang Cerbo

In Loving Memory

Nelson Deang Cerbo passed away in his home surrounded by his family, on September 25, 2025, at the age of 84.

Nelson was born on July 15, 1941, to Felimon and Carmen Cerbo in the Province of Iloilo, Philippines. He was the eldest of twelve siblings and raised in the surrounding towns of Dingle and Barotac Nuevo. In his youth, Nelson was bold and adventurous, spending a lot of time with his siblings and friends outdoors while fishing and foraging in the rivers and creeks near his childhood home.

Nelson was a man of great accomplishments. He attended elementary and high schools in Dingle. Nelson had a natural talent for numbers and was intrigued by math equations. In 1963, Nelson graduated from the Central Philippine University and received a Bachelor of Science in Commerce.

Nelson’s work ethic derives from his father, the founding owner of Cerbo Funeral Homes, who instilled in him the importance of dedication and responsibility to take care of his family. Nelson often accompanied his father on his business trips to Manila. He eventually settled in Makati, Manila and in 1964, he pursued a career in accounting at a private firm where he was the Chief Accountant for almost 13 years and a consultant for the firm for five more years.

In 1965, Nelson met and took an interest in Warlita Apruebo. They were in love and inseparable. In 1968, they tied the knot after three years of courtship. In 1969, they welcomed their first child, Maria Nellita Cerbo. In 1978, they welcomed their second and final child, Clare Cerbo. Nelson and Warlita built their own mini retail store and continued to happily live in Makati, Manila. Nelson unconditionally adored the three females in his life.

In 1982, Nelson and his family of four immigrated to the United States of America, specifically in bay area California. Their first home was in the Top of the Hill neighborhood in Daly City. In 1987, they moved to Colma and then in 1991 they settled in their current home in the Westlake District of Daly City. He worked in retail, including 7-11 Incorporated for 15 years and Safeway Incorporated for 20 years. In 2003, Nelson retired. Despite a new life in a different country, Nelson held on to his core familial values and seamlessly provided for his small family.

Nelson absolutely loved being a grandfather. “Lolo” is what his grandchildren called him. In 1994, Nelson became a first-time Lolo to Marc Anthony Cordonero. Then in 2000, Nelson became a Lolo again to Brenden Josef Cordonero. Nelson spent most of his time off from work caring for Marc and Brenden. Lastly, in 2018, he became a Lolo to his only granddaughter, Cameron Keana Nasalga. Nelson found another level of profound love through his grandchildren and his love for them was incomparable.

During his retirement years, Nelson devoted his time to the ones he loved and the simple things that brought him joy. Nelson and Warlita continued to be inseparable and together they enjoyed quality time with each other and their family, especially with their grandchildren. They frequently traveled together to the Philippines and many other places, and one of their favorite pastimes was going to casinos. In 2021, Nelson and Warlita temporarily relocated to Sacramento to be closer to Cameron. All the things Nelson came to love in his youth, fishing, cooking, and gardening became full-time. He continued his adventurous life and enjoyed listening to music during his daily walks through nature, parks, neighborhoods, or beaches.

To know Nelson is to love Nelson. He was known by many as Nonoy / Kuya, Tatay, Uncle / Tito, Lolo, and a great Friend. He was a genuinely kind man and generous to anyone he knew. He expressed his love through food because he loved food. No matter where life took him, he easily made friends along the way. He was naturally built with patience and sympathy. His smile and laugh were infectious. As many people would say, he was a “happy go lucky” kind of guy.

Nelson is survived by his wife of 57 years, Warlita Apruebo Cerbo; his eldest daughter, Maria Nellita Cerbo Cordonero and her spouse, Marcos Cordonero; his youngest daughter, Clare Cerbo-Nasalga and her spouse, Eric Nasalga; and his grandchildren, Marc Anthony Cerbo Cordonero and his spouse Romina Marie Benedict, Brenden Josef Cerbo Cordonero, and Cameron Keana Cerbo Nasalga. Nelson is also survived by his remaining siblings — Filma Cerbana, Jocelyn Parades, Cerilo Cerbo, Bernard Cerbo, Marilyn Cerbo; and countless nephews and nieces.

Nelson Deang Cerbo will be deeply missed and endlessly loved. May the Lord grant him peace everlasting.