Jose Nano Aboy

Jose Nano Aboy, known to his friends and family as “Joe,” was born to Agapito and Maura Aboy on May 19, 1952 in Manaoag, Pangasinan, Philippines, the first of six siblings. From the start, his mom marveled at his intelligence. Nevertheless, Joe got into his share of boyhood mischief with his brothers, Romeo, Jun, Nestor, and Rocky. Because his dad was usually away for work, it was his mom, Maura, who had to crack the whip at times to ensure Joe and his siblings, including his sister, Juliet, grew up to be respectable adults. School was where Joe was able to focus his energy and develop his mind further. He graduated high school from the Holy Rosary Academy in 1969. He then attended the University of Santo Tomas for electrical engineering. Joe then received the chance to join the prestigious Philippine Military Academy. However, wanting to seek out a way to provide better opportunities for his entire family, he instead joined the U.S. Navy on April 12, 1971 at age 18. Soon, he found himself in boot camp in San Diego, CA U.S.A. It was about this time that Joe met the one and only love of his life, Cristina “Pinkie” Gruenberg. During their courtship was when he received Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Joe and Pinkie married on June 5, 1973. They welcomed a son, Joseph, and daughter, Aileen, into their world while stationed in Los Angeles, CA. These events were major blessings in his life. In 1978, Joe was able to see one of his dreams become reality when he petitioned for his parents to come join him in the U.S. while stationed in Norfolk, VA. In 1982 while stationed in Pensacola, FL, he was able to bring the rest of his family, 5 siblings, over. Having his entire family now in the U.S. marked the beginning of the greater opportunities that he always wanted, and he was even instrumental in leading his family in the knowledge of Jesus as their Savior. Joe was so thankful to God in seeing this come to fruition. During this time, Joe was a naval exam writer and quickly got commissioned as a Chief Warrant Officer. Having reported to several different naval vessels in his career, Joe was able to visit hundreds of cities worldwide. He genuinely loved what he did as a naval officer and was able to excel in his roles and responsibilities. Some of Joe’s peers have referred to him as being “A walking encyclopedia,” and “Smartest person I know.” Others have said “This guy knows everything,” and that they “Never won an [intellectual] bet against him.” His work ethic was unparalleled, always ready and willing to do the job and get it done right. At home, his wife and kids knew what a dedicated, dependable, and loving husband and father God blessed them with. In 1984, they were transferred back to San Diego. Having been all over the world, Joe often mentioned that San Diego is the best place to live on earth. Always studious and desiring to exercise his mind, Joe earned his B.S. in Computer Science in 1989. Joe’s next endeavor was on the Propulsion Examining Board, where he inspected ships and deemed whether or not they were fit for deployment. It was a formidable site for crew members to see Joe board a ship due to the reputation he had developed. The years flew by and Joe’s kids eventually married, thus commencing the blessings of grandkids. He proudly welcomed his first granddaughter, Caden, in 2001. After completing 30 years of active duty service, Joe retired in a remarkable ceremony in April 2001. But after only a short retirement, Joe was back at work under Navy contract at Life Cycle Engineering, resuming his troubleshooting abilities on naval ships. More grandkids were born: EJ in 2002, Penelope in 2004, and then Leilani in 2007. The smile on his face, whenever he spent time with his precious grandkids, displayed the bounty of his blessings! The separation was tough when Joe’s career took him to Yokosuka, Japan for a federal position with the Japan Regional Maintenance Center in 2009. Joe was able to visit home frequently and proudly welcomed two more granddaughters, Ariza in 2009, and Lauralynn in 2012. Spending time with family, including his siblings and their families, cousins, and co-workers, was a tremendous joy in Joe’s life. He never hesitated to invite people to eat out with him or host a gathering. In 2012, distinguished as an expert in his field, Joe transferred to San Diego to be home again and to work with the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center. It was during his career at SWRMC that Joe’s health took an unexpected turn. On Christmas Eve 2014, it was discovered that he had a large, malignant tumor in his chest. Aggressive efforts were made to combat the cancer, but ultimately, it was best that Joe return home to enjoy the time he had left, spending it with family. That is what he did, though he never lost faith in the knowledge that if it were God’s will, he could still be healed. For the last few weeks of his life on this earth, Joe and his family experienced an outpouring of God’s love in a way that few ever get to witness. The peace that the Lord gave was inexplicable, and the time together was so tender and precious. Even the new people Joe came in contact with, whether his doctors, nurses, or hospital staff were moved by his kindness, concern, and faith, especially in that he testified that he was “ready to meet his Savior Jesus Christ.” What a great God we serve! Finally, surrounded by his wife, siblings, kids, grandkids, and many other loving family, Joe peacefully took his last breath on this earth and his first in heaven on March 29, 2015. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 Though the separation is temporary, the sadness is great, for we will miss Joe tremendously. Aside from his intelligence and love for continued learning, God gifted Joe with loving kindness, genuineness, and above all, generosity. His steadfast faith in Jesus was evident in his life, especially in his final days. We thank the Lord for having him in our lives. God used his servant Joe to enable us to draw nearer to our Creator God. Until the Great Day we meet again…