Cecilio Bolivar Nierva

Cecilio Bolivar Nierva, age 79, was born on November 22, 1944 to Juan and Felicidad Nierva in Nabua, Camarines Sur Philippines. After a 2-year journey with dementia, he passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on September 27, 2024 in San Diego, California.

Cecilio graduated from Nabua National High School in 1963 and joined the U.S. Navy in 1965. He proudly served for 22 years and retired in 1987 as Petty Officer First Class, Mess Management Specialist. During his military career, he was assigned on three different ships, completed two overseas tours and served a one-year deployment in Vietnam. He was awarded four Good Conduct medals, two Navy Meritorious Unit Commendations, and several campaign ribbons. Through the Navy, he was able to fulfill the “American Dream” of starting his family in the US, owning a home, having his children obtain college degrees and seeing his legacy of kindness continue through his grandchildren.

On June 28, 1973, Cecilio married Cynthia Uvero Pornillos, his townmate from Nabua, and they were married for over 50 years. They couldn't be apart too long as Cecilio joined Cynthia in Heaven, just six months after she passed away. They raised two daughters, Christy and Cyril, instilling in them the values of family, culture, community and education. They both were college counselors at UC San Diego, wedding coordinators with Bellz & Whistlez and involved in the Bicol Club of San Diego County, where Cecilio was an active member. He was on the Board of Directors, participated in several planning committees and could always be counted on for events. Without being asked, he would be overseeing the kitchen, serving the food lines, and setting-up/cleaning-up activities.

When he wasn't socializing, storytelling and sharing jokes, Cecilio enjoyed working on house projects. He took pride in building plumeria and orchids irrigation systems and rock waterfalls for his wife; creating furniture storage for his daughters' clothes and shoes; and making toy shelves for his grandsons. With his "can-do" attitude, Cecilio was able to fix anything broken or build items without an instructional manual! He was the jack of all trades.

Cecilio and Cynthia spent their retirement years between Philippines and US every six months. In the Philippines, they built their dream home, known as "The White House of Nabua". This modern and unique home sits atop a pond with a living room glass floor that could be opened to fish from the inside - they thought of this fun feature for their grandchildren! When in San Diego, Cecilio found so much joy tending to his vegetable garden and being with his three grandsons. They called him "Anpa" and they will forever remember him for his tickly belly kisses, sweet embraces, and delicious cooking. Cecilio will be greatly missed by everyone whose life he touched, as he was a warm-hearted, well-liked, hospitable, and an amiable man.

He is survived by his two daughters, Christy and Cyril; two sons-in-law, Francis and Quoc; his siblings Tex, Concepcion and Isidro; three grandsons Elijah, Cadence and Cylas and many nephews, nieces and godchildren.

A link to the livestream: https://memoryafilms.com/cnierva/