Ricardo B. Macaspac

Today, we gather with hearts full of love and gratitude to celebrate the extraordinary life of Ricardo Macaspac. At the remarkable age of 101, he left this world gracefully but his legacy of faith, love, laughter, and inner strength will forever resonate in our hearts.

His journey began in the vibrant province of Pampanga, Philippines, born to Juan Macaspac and Remedios Banal. His family’s quest for a better life led them to Manila, where young Ricardo faced the profound challenge of losing his mother in his teens. With unyielding determination, he stepped into adulthood early, supporting his family by selling ice cream from a cart and taking on various odd jobs.

Education was a treasure he cherished. Despite the adversities he faced, Ricardo attended night school, pursuing knowledge even amid the turmoil of World War II, which interrupted his studies at Far Eastern University. Those years shaped him, instilling deep values of courage, compassion, and hope that would guide him throughout his remarkable life.

Ricardo often shared stories of his youth, reminding his loved ones of the importance of family, faith, and perseverance. After the war, he embraced a new path as a tailor, where he met the love of his life, Adora, while working at Simon’s Tailoring. Their love story blossomed, and in 1958, they married and started their beautiful family together in Valenzuela.

Ricardo and Adora stood side by side, nurturing and guiding their five children. As the family grew, he ventured into the life of a seafarer, sailing the seas to provide for his loved ones and ensuring that his children received a quality education. He took immense pride in their achievements and held a special wish for his grandchildren: to see them walk across the stage and receive their diplomas.

As a seaman, journeys across Asia, Europe, and the Americas enriched his life, and he often shared stories of the vibrant cultures he encountered. In 1989, Ricardo and Adora embarked on a new chapter in Kansas City as part of an immigrant petition by daughter Luz. In 2002, they moved to San Francisco, where they continued to make cherished memories with friends and family, visiting various states and returning to the Philippines annually to celebrate birthdays and visit relatives and friends.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife Adora and their five wonderful children: Luz and her husband Joey; Ciony, who shares her life with Jasser; Rene, happily married to Marivic; Florian, alongside his wife Edel; and dear Imelda. They are also surrounded by a loving family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in passing by his cherished siblings, Feliciano, Januario, and Cristina, who will always hold a special place.