Jose Marie Astom Ascano

May 2, 1969 – October 21, 2024

Jose Marie “Jomar” Astom Ascaño, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and public servant, passed on peacefully in Pleasanton, California, on October 21, 2024. He was 55 years old.

Born on May 2, 1969, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, the Philippines, he was the second child of the late Isabelito Ascaño and Cecilia Astom Ascaño. He was a cherished brother to Fr. Emilio Ascaño, Maria Cecilia (Al Pecayo) and John Michael (Kathryn).

Jomar’s early education took place at St. Paul College in Vigan Ilocos Sur, the Philippines, and he later entered the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary for high school, demonstrating an early dedication to faith and learning. He went on to study at Ateneo de Manila University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and was a college seminarian at San Jose Seminary in the Ateneo de Manila Campus. After completing his studies, Jomar discerned a different path, leaving the seminary to pursue a career in public service.

For nearly a decade, from 1990 to 1999, Jomar worked at the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, serving under three presidents—Corazon Aquino, Fidel V. Ramos, and Joseph Estrada. As a Junior Presidential Staff Supervisor in the Presidential Management Staff, Jomar was known for his dedication, intelligence, and integrity. From 1999 to 2012, he worked as a Cultural Affairs Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, before immigrating to the United States in 2012. He continued his service in public administration, working at the Office of Contracts Management in the Social Services Agency and eventually as a Senior Management Specialist in the County of Santa Clara’s Office of Contract Administration and Behavioral Health, a role he held from 2021 until his passing.

Jomar’s dedication and integrity in his public service was unmatched by holding himself to the highest ethical standards. His financial prudence allowed him to help others and he never failed to share his blessings. He was unfailingly generous and his heart embraced his extended family, especially his cousins, nieces and nephews and close friends. Jomar never missed an opportunity to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and special occasions even during the pandemic by initiating and organizing online masses or celebrations.

A man of discipline, Jomar was devoted to his personal care and wellbeing by working out at the gym. His love for the fitness life kept him physically active for duty and service.

Jomar will be remembered for his brilliant mind, passionate convictions, and, above all, his unwavering love for his family. Throughout his life, he was a pillar of strength, known for his astuteness, generosity, and thoughtfulness to those he held dear.

In his final days, Jomar was surrounded by the love and presence of family, relatives, and close friends, who journeyed with him through his courageous battle with ALS. After a long and valiant struggle, he passed on peacefully into the next life, leaving behind a legacy of love and courage that will endure.

He will be profoundly missed by his mom, his brothers and his sister, his nieces and nephews, his brother and sister in-laws, his extended family members along with all those whose lives he touched with his warmth and generosity.

The family is deeply grateful to the many compassionate individuals who provided care and comfort to Jomar during his illness. The dedicated efforts of his doctors, nurses, caregivers, and the unwavering support of family and friends were a great source of strength in his most difficult moments. Their acts of kindness, care, and love brought light to Jomar’s journey, and their generosity will forever be cherished.

Jomar’s spirit of generosity, service, and courage in the face of life’s toughest battles will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at the Lima Family Mortuary in Fremont, California with a Rosary Vigil scheduled at 6:00PM. A Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 10:30AM at Saint John the Baptist Church in Milpitas, California.