Rogelio Parel Abelon

Rogelio Parel Abelon, 82, passed peacefully on December 9, 2024, at Evergreen Hospital, Kirkland, WA, due to ongoing health issues. On his final day, he was surrounded by family celebrating his wonderful life.

He was born in Bani Pangasinan, Philippines in 1942 to Primitivo and Manuela Abelon who were rice farmers. In search of a better life for himself and his family, Rogelio joined the U.S. Navy after graduating high school and worked hard to later support his family.

He met his wife Clarita in 1966 in San Juan, Manila, Philippines during his cousin’s baptism. From there it was a long courtship, writing each other while he was in the U.S. Navy. They were married on June 15, 1975, and for the rest of his life, he was a dedicated and loving son, brother, husband, father, Lolo (grandfather), and lifelong friend to many.

Rogelio was a devoted and loving father to Ria, Rex, and Ryan who dearly miss him and the life lessons he imparted to them. Among them was “always try your best,” and “keep going for your goals.”

Rogelio served his country for 22-1/2 years in the U.S. Navy working his way up from seaman to Senior Chief (SCPO E-8). He exemplified strength, courage, bravery, and resilience as he was a Prisoner of War aboard the U.S.S Pueblo and endured hardship and immense stress during the Korean War for 11 months. He was also a proud member of the Mason and the Shriner’s, where he volunteered and provided community services.

He was very involved as a parent, where he attended all his kids school activities, and taught them to swim, ride a bike, and fish. He also made family time a priority by going on camping trips, family vacations, and teaching his family the beauty and simplicity of life. He strived for his family to live the American Dream where he saw his kids excel in school and receive their college degrees with Ria continuing on to receive her graduate degree. He was a proud Lolo (grandfather) and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Rogelio will be greatly missed by his wife of 49 years, Clarita, children Ria, Rex (wife Donna, children Clarlyn and Reizo), Ryan (wife Eva, children Ryder and Riley), brother Romulo, sisters Romea, Misalina, Miraflor, and Viola. He was preceded in death by his parents, Primitivo and Manuela and sister Eufenia.

A visitation for Rogelio will be held Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 14951 Bothell Way NE, Seattle, WA 98155. A funeral service will occur Friday, December 20, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133.

Rogelio will be laid to rest in Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St, Kent, WA 98042.