Joey Gaudinez Vitug

Joey was born in 1946, in Quiapo, Manila, to Victoria Mora Gaudinez and Roland David Vitug. Joey grew up in the city of Makati with his siblings, Florence, Dorothy, and Rhuddee (deceased). He earned his degree from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila before immigrating to the United States in 1977. Joey had two sons, Joel and Jeoffery, with his first wife Consolacion (Connie) DeVilla (deceased), and daughter Vanessa and son Brian with his second wife Celedonia (Celly) Ravina.

While in the United States, he worked multiple jobs at electronics companies including Signetics, Toshiba, and Philips Semiconductors. Through his hard work, he was able to bring his family to the United States in 1985. When Joey retired, he finished his career as an employee of South Bay Circuits.

In all of his years working, he enjoyed the camaraderie of his co-workers, often sharing stories over drinks with them at family parties and picnics. Like many Filipinos, Joey, known as Peping or Pareng Joe, enjoyed eating, drinking, singing karaoke with family and friends. Joey especially loved to sing “Yesterday” by the Beatles and “Anak” his favorite Filipino song by Freddie Aguilar.

In retirement, Joey relished being able to travel to the Philippines to the family home in Greenville, Lucban Quezon. He enjoyed talking and carousing with Celly’s classmates, and joking with Celly’s many nephews, nieces, and their children. As often as possible, he drove to Candelaria and visited with the DeVilla family. “Uncle Joe” loved to give all his nephews, nieces, and their children advice -- but would often finish long lectures with the saying, “Bahala kayo (You make up your own mind).”

As a father, Joey was the model of a responsible parent. His children learned how to be responsible, independent adults from Joey’s strict parenting – and he was very proud of all his children. He especially loved when he was able to see his grandchildren. Mya, JJ (Jeoffrey & Tien’s children), Justice (Joel and Jennifer’s daughter), and Atticus and Greyson (Brian and Laura’s boys) will greatly miss playing, talking, and joking with their Lolo. Mya, in reflection of her Lolo, recalls, “Lolo was notoriously grumpy” but “the only time he seemed at peace or even happy was around the grandkids.”

After many years battling diabetes and other ailments, Joey now joins his father, mother, brother, and nephew Mark in their everlasting rest, free from the suffering of his earthly body. His family, relatives, and friends will miss him, but we rejoice in knowing his suffering has ended and he has found peace with the Lord, Almighty.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oakhillfuneral.com for the Vitug family.