Ignacio Ramirez Abaya's Obituary
Ignacio Abaya Obituary
Ignacio R. Abaya, 104, of Aiea, Hawaii passed away on August 12, 2022. He was born on June 15,1918. Ignacio R. Abaya was born in Candon, Ilocos Sur, Philippines to Ferreol and Felipa Abaya. The oldest of five children, Ignacio was raised in Candon, Ilocos Sur along with his sister Angeles and brothers Leopoldo, Sr. and Jose.
Ignacio graduated high school from Candon Institute in the Philippines and after graduation, he worked for the Philippine government as a clerk and eventually as a land surveyor. After World War II, he continued to work as a land surveyor and passed his civil service exam to work as an accounting clerk for the Philippines Bureau of Public Highways, later transferring to work as an engineer in their public highways and projects division after earning his Bachelors of Science Degree in Civil Engineering.
He met the love of his life, the former Veneracion Morales Elefante, through mutual family friends. They married in 1952 when he was a sophomore college student at National University. Mrs. Veneracion E. Abaya earned her Bachelor of Education degree from University of Santo Tomas and became a high school English teacher in Manila. Ignacio graduated in 1956 from National University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. They started a family and raised three children—Emmanuel, Rosemarie, and Trinidette. A decade later, the family immigrated to O‘ahu, Hawai’i in pursuit of a better life.
As an engineer beginning his career in a new country, Ignacio worked for numerous companies on O‘ahu—Honolulu Construction & Draying Company, Reed and Martin, Dillingham Corporation, and the State of Hawai‘i, Department of Transportation, Highways Division, from where he eventually retired in 1984 as a Civil Engineer. During his tenure at these various companies, Ignacio worked on key monumental projects that would change the landscape of O‘ahu. He worked with the company that built the Hawai‘i State Capitol; surveyed the area that later became the H-1 Freeway between the Kunia and Waipahu interchange; and was one of the engineers to review engineering plans for both the H-1 and H-3 Freeways. He tirelessly devoted his career to many public works projects from which the community greatly benefits today.
Ignacio dedicated many hours giving back to his community by serving as a member of the Aiea Lions Club; the Filipino Catholic Club of St. Elizabeth Church Aiea; the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Honolulu District Council; and as an usher for more than 30 years at Sunday mass services.
Ignacio stayed active bowling at Hickam Air Force Bowling Team with his son, Emmanuel, and with other seniors at the ‘Aiea Bowling Alley until he was 98 years old. He kept his mind active by playing solitaire on his computer, completing daily crossword puzzles, and reading the newspaper along with other literature. He enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and Family Feud as well as the cable channels of History, Discovery, and Smithsonian.
He is survived by his children, Emmanuel (Sidney), Rosemarie and Trinidette; along with three grandsons, Keoni (Kiana), Ikaika, and Sean; four great granddaughters, Kalehiwa, Ke‘alohilani, Kiele and Kelia; his sister Angeles Gambito and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ignacio was preceded in death by his wife, Veneracion, his parents and brothers Leopoldo and Jose.
In his life, Ignacio acknowledged our Lord’s grace and credits that faith with the strength in facing life’s challenges but also the humility in receiving God’s blessings. Ignacio began every morning and closed each day with prayer. He now rests in the arms of our Lord and Savior.
Wake Services will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at Mililani Mortuary Mauka Chapel. Visitation begins at 5:30 pm and Service at 6:30 pm. Mass Services to be held the next day, Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at St. Elizabeth Church, Aiea. Viewing from 9:00 am to 9:30 am and Mass 10:30 am. Burial will take place at Mililani Memorial Park at 1:00 pm
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.
Read More
What’s your fondest memory of Ignacio?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ignacio?
Share a story where Ignacio's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ignacio you’ll never forget.
How did Ignacio make you smile?