Cresenciano Lorenzo Respicio

May 5th, 1933 - August 1st, 2022

“Papa” Cresenciano Lorenzo Respicio was born in Angadanan, Isabela of the Philippines on May 5th, 1933. The eighth of twelve children, he lived his early childhood in the barrio of Pissay in the town of Angadanan.

Cresenciano attended Manuel L. Quezon University in Manila for his undergraduate studies; afterwards, he attended the University of Manila Law School. While studying for his law degree he fatefully met the love of his life, Hermogena Tabaco. Introduced to each other through a family friend and neighbor, their courtship began in 1957 and led to their marriage in Manila two years later–that same year in 1959 he graduated with his law degree.

In 1960, Hermogena and Cresenciano welcomed their first child: a son, Carlos. In 1962, they had a daughter: Maryknol. And in 1965, their third child and second daughter joined the family: Hazeline. During this time Cresenciano supported his family in Angadanan as a farmer, lawyer, and eventually a politician. He ran for Mayor of Angadanan twice during the 1960s, the second election ending in a narrow loss. Coming out of the controversial decision, his political connections led him to being appointed Board Member for the province of Isabela. He proudly served his community in this position until his departure to the United States in the mid-70’s.

Cresenciano immigrated to San Jose, California in 1976 after securing a house for his family. His first job in the USA was as a shipping container operator and supervisor. By 1979, his wife and three children all joined him in the US. Their new home was warmed with family, feasts, and faith. He loved to sing Cristy Lane songs, was known for his famous “Papa’s BBQ steak and chicken,” and enjoyed tending to his garden.

A devout man, he punctually attended church every Sunday without fail. His last job was for the San Jose Mineta International Airport working within the security staff, after which he retired. Post-retirement, “Papa” loved to spend time with all his seven grandchildren. He adored them all, notably making it a Saturday morning tradition to drop off donuts to all his grandkids no matter where they were–1 stop in Union City and 2 stops in San Jose.

While surrounded by his wife and family at home, the same house he had bought for his family 46 years earlier, Papa passed away peacefully on August 1st, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Hermogena; his son, Carlos, and his four children: Amber, Ashley, Charlie, and Charlette; his daughter, Maryknol, and her two daughters: Juleantonette and Juleanna; and his daughter, Hazeline, and her son, Ian; and his eight great-grandchildren.