Elpidio Rivera Lagazo was born on November 14, 1925 in Calinan, Davao City, Philippines to his parents, Damian Lagazo and Emeteria Rivera-Lagazo. Elpidio was raised in Calinan with thirteen siblings: Pidang (Alfreda), Irineo, Juan, Pidong (Alfredo), Mateo, Anacleto, Manuel, Minang, Luring (Loreto), Enos, and Ernesto. Elpidio was the last of his siblings to pass away. Growing up, Elpidio enjoyed physical activities and took pleasure in playing ping pong, tennis, and cycling. In his spare time, he liked playing by the river and fishing. However, to Elpidio, the most fun he had was simply playing and spending time with his siblings.
In his school years, Elpidio graduated from Calinan High School in 1941. Because of the Japanese occupation during World War II, there was a delay in college and he earned his BA in Accounting from the University of East Philippines in 1957.
On March 11, 1958, Elpidio exchanged wedding vows with the love of his life, Rufina "Rosie" Lagazo, in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Elpidio was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much playmate as a parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness. Elpidio was blessed with three children: Cristina, Rizalina, and Myriam. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren: Rey Anthony, Reinielle Ann, Earl Alexander, Neil Carlo, Claire Ann, Daniel Marie, Channel Kahealani, and Jed Angelo; and three great-grandchildren: Calliope Rose, Caliyah Love, and River Rayn.
Elpidio’s primary occupation was in purchasing and procurement of manufacturing supplies and he was employed for over 20 years at Puyat Steel Plant in the Philippines.
Elpidio enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were playing ping-pong, watching professional tennis matches on TV, gardening, spending time outdoors, basking in the sun, "rubber banding," playing the harmonica, singing karaoke, dancing "maski paps", word searches, solitaire and traveling.
Elpidio’s faith was important to him. He was a Roman Catholic who attended masses at St. Joseph Husband of Mary Church.
Elpidio enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to visit new places and experience new things. His favorite vacations included family travels to Florida, cruises to the Bahamas and Mexico, Europe, Philippines, Hong Kong, and Macau.
After retiring in 1988, he relocated to Modesto, California and in 1989 moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. In retirement, he found new pleasure in all of his hobbies, traveling, and spending time with family.
Elpidio passed away at the age of 93 on November 3, 2019 at St. Rose San Martin Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was just 11 days shy of his 94th birthday. He is survived by his wife, Rosie; three daughters: Cristy, Riza, and Myr; eight grandchildren: Rey Anthony, Ann, Earl, Carlo, Claire, Daniel, Channel and Jed; and three great-grandchildren: Callie, Caliyah, and River. Services were held at Palm Mortuary Southwest.
Elpidio was a simple man. He showed his love to his family through his actions and his humor. He leaves behind him a legacy of life-long memories. He was a loving husband and father, and a wonderful playmate to all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember him as their beloved Dear, Tatay, Tio Peding, Lolo Peding, and Grandpa.
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