John Yabut's Obituary
Juanito R. Yabut, a long-time resident of Newark, California passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, May 27, 2020 at the age of 87. He was able to be surrounded by his family at his home despite the ongoing Pandemic affecting the world.
Born June 24, 1932 in Tambuan Malinao, Aklan, Philippines; the son of Tomas and Baldornera (Regado) Yabut. He married Bernardita Rapiz, his long-time sweetheart on May 31, 1968. Juanito was a loving father, grandfather, friend and a devoted husband to his wife for 52 years.
Juanito attended and graduated high school in the Philippines. As a Malinaon immigrant, he left his native land and followed Bernardita to the United States in search of job opportunities and a better life for his family. He attended the National Schools of Los Angeles, California and completed his training with a diploma in Automotive and Truck Mechanics. The family moved to the Bay Area in 1977. He found a job with Kaiser Permanente and worked tirelessly for many years in the Environmental Services Department before retiring. He enjoyed the simple things in life like chatting with family and friends and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a wonderful cook and made the best pancit in town. He loved to go crabbing in San Francisco, watch world class boxing, football, Warriors basketball, the Laurence Welk Show or The Osmond’s. His favorite hobby was visiting his other “job” at the local casinos. Win or lose he was the life of the party with his jokes and sense of humor. He always seem to have a knack of putting happy smiles on the faces of everyone around him. He also was active in the community as a member of the Filipino Society of Newark and the Malinao Brotherhood Improvement Society.
Juanito will always be in our hearts and his memory will be cherished and kept alive by his wife, Bernardita Yabut (Rapiz); his children, Ben (Maria Cecilia), Jesse (Gina), John (Tu), and James (Roxete); grandchildren; Jaden, Mila, Aiko, Ethan, and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to all the caregivers and the staff at Kaiser Permanente and Vitas Hospice Healthcare for their support and care during dad’s difficult journey fighting cancer for the past two and a half years.
He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.
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