Mr. Venusto R Labiaga

Venusto “Ven” Raagas Labiaga, age 88 of Norfolk, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on October 13, 2024. He passed away peacefully at home with his wife and children by his side. He was born and raised in Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, Philippines and was the youngest of 5 children. He met the love of his life in Cavite City, Philippines where they were married and 3 of their 4 children were later born.

Ven proudly served in the United States Navy for 20 years and participated in naval support operations during the Vietnam War and Cuban Missile Crisis. Following his retirement from active duty, he continued to work as a Civil Service employee for 20 years at the Naval Supply Center in Norfolk, VA. Upon retirement from 2 full careers, he continued to work as an evening custodian part-time until the age of 70.

Ven was also actively involved in the Filipino-American community. He was a member of the Cavite Association of Tidewater and the Fil-Am at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Norfolk. It was through those organizations where he and his wife met some of their lifelong friends.

In his free time, he loved to go fishing and crabbing with his many fishing buddies, children and grandchildren. He was a self-taught master gardener and grew an abundance of vegetables in his backyard.

Affectionately known as “Poppy” or “Papa” to his family, he was happiest spending time with his family, especially on Sunday afternoons when his children and grandchildren would come to his home to eat together and play games.

Ven was predeceased by his mother, Sofia Raagas Labiaga; brother Fermin; sisters Enecita, Emper and Berly; son-in-law, Melvin. He leaves behind his loving wife of 65 years, Luzviminda “Luz”; sons Arthur (Kim) and Boni; daughters Charlene and Debbie (Mike); grandchildren Yvette, Janelle, Meghan (James), Tyler K. (Stevi), Andrew, Samantha, Matthew, Tyler S., Jordan, and Faith.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Virginia Beach, Va on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 10am. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens and a reception afterwards to receive friends and family at Woodlawn Funeral Home