Ruben N. Catipon's Obituary
Ruben Nunez Catipon passed away on March 16, 2017. He was born to Gabriel and Maria Catipon. He was the oldest of 12 children. Predeceased by his loving wife Dominga Catipon, his beautiful daughter Susan Garcia, and his siblings: Benjamin Catipon, Julio Catipon, Jacinta Vallillo, and Pacifico Catipon.Lovingly remembered by his children, Robert, Teresita (Marites), Ruben Jr., Rosemarie, and Marivic; grandchildren, Christopher, Ruben, Alyssa, Jenna, Mark, Jacqueline, Zachary, Bruce, Crystal, Samuel, Shiela, Glenn, Roy; great grandchildren, Syrenz, Auleen, Althea, Clarence and Juancho; his siblings, Iluminada deGuzman, Remy Perez, Norma Zapanta, Orlando Catipon and Belen Goduco; his many other relatives in the States and in the Philippines. Ruben loved God, his countries (Philippines and United States), and his family. He joined the guerrillas and combated the Japanese in guerrilla warfare during WWII in the Philippines. After the war, he joined the United States Navy on December 13,1945. He participated in covert operations during the cold war flying into areas to help gather Russian information. He served one enlistment in the Army with the 82nd airborne jumping out of planes on missions. He then transferred back in the Navy. He served in the Korean and Vietnam War. In the Navy, one of his squadrons that he was attached to was Patrol Squadron Fifty-Six. Patrol Squadron Fifty-Six stood first in the competition for Battle Efficiency among the VP seaplane squadrons of the Atlantic Fleet for the competitive year 1955. In view thereof, Commander Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, had awarded this squadron the Battle Efficiency “E” Commendation on August 26, 1955. This award reflects commendable performance of duty and superior teamwork by every officer and man attached to this squadron. Ruben retired with an honorable discharge after 21 years in the military. He retired as a First Class Aviation Machinist Mate. The Navy awarded him 2 National Defense Service Medal (Bronze stars), WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, and 6 Good Conduct Medals. After he retired from the Navy. He became employed at World Airways as an Aviation Mechanic. He retired from the company after 22 years. Ruben worked hard and was able to successfully achieve and benefit from the real estate business owning 4 houses and 2 rentals. Growing up he took on the burden of working hard to put his 9 siblings through college after his father passed away. Ruben was a hardworking devout husband and father ensuring that his family was always provided for.Traveling was his passion. He traveled from Iceland, to Italy, to the Philippines and everywhere in between. He loved to cook. He enjoyed watching World Wrestling Federation, Lawrence Welk, Joel Osteen and John Hagee’s preaching and church service. His relationship with God was strong. He radiated God’s love to everyone he met. As God blessed him, he blessed others immensely. Ruben N. Catipon was a Godly man.The way he lived his life was evident of his close relationship with God. He will be missed greatly. He was loved by many.
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