Eduardo Fontelera Cabling Sr.

With deep sorrow, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Eduardo Fontelera Cabling Sr. (Tatay Duards), on December 12, 2024, at the age of 98, in San Diego, California. A devoted family man, World War II veteran, and symbol of resilience and love, he will always be remembered for his strength, wisdom, and dedication to his family and values.

Born June 19, 1926, in Cabangan, Zambales, Philippines, to Dominga Fontelera and Nicholas Academia Cabling, Tatay Duards served as a guerilla soldier in the U.S. Army during WWII in the Pacific theater. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2018 for his service—one of the highest honors in the United States.

After the war, he returned to Olongapo City, where he built a life with his wife, Anacleta Pacatcatin Biag. A mechanic by trade, Tatay Duards was a pillar of strength for his family, known for his humor, faith, and quiet wisdom. In 1992, he emigrated to the U.S. to join his daughter Cynthia and her family, receiving his U.S. citizenship in Honolulu as a Filipino veteran of WWII in the same year.

He is preceded in death by his wife Anacleta; his parents Dominga and Nicholas; siblings Avelino, Lourdes, and Jovita; and his son Eduardo Jr. He is survived by his children: Felisa (Eddie), Cesar (Zeny), Elena (Joey), Cynthia (Garry), Romie (Lulu), and Irene (Marty); grandchildren: Cecille (Jeff), Maylen, Nickle, Ar-jay, Arwin, Analyn (Chris), Arjay (Alisa), Ardy (Jerelle), Julius, Eileen Joie, Ronel, Ryan (Camille), Renzie, Rizalyn (Angelo), Stephen (Rachelle), Symon, Keith, and Lourdes Jane; and his great-grandchildren: Kayla, Ava, Gavin, Jayden, Camilla, Edward, KC, Toffee, Rizen, Dein, Shelby, and Leilani.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 26, 2024, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at Glen Abbey’s Magnolia Room, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902. A funeral service will take place on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Glen Abbey’s Chapel of the Roses, followed by interment at Glen Abbey Memorial Park, Block 79.

Rest in peace, Tatay Duards. You will always be loved and never forgotten.