Rev. Mr. and Engineer Deacon Ernesto Abutar Abadejos
April 27, 1937 - May 11, 2023

Deacon Ernesto Abutar Abadejos of Houston, Texas USA, went home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 11, 2023. He was 86 years old.

The Lord blessed Deacon Ernesto in two ways: to have a great sense of humor and to connect with a deep love and compassion for everyone he met-and that, coupled with his warm smile, genuine ways, and a passion for the word of God, helped him to make friends easily.

His humble beginnings began in a rural town of Batino, Calapan on Mindoro Island, Philippines on April 27, 1937. He was the second of six children to Marcella Abutar Abadejosand Eliseo Abadejos.

A small-town gentleman with a big-city heart and ambitions. Despite the lack of monetary means, Ernesto took on jobs such as shoe-shining and diving for coins from large, anchored ships to save for college. However, due to extraordinary grades and salutatorian status, he acquired scholarships and graduated with bachelor's degrees in mechanical and industrial engineering from National University, Philippines. Shortly after, he achieved 4th place nationwide on the Board Exam; thus, earning a reputable position at Firestone Company, General Textiles as Production Manager in Manila and, later, chosen for advanced studies abroad in Japan. By 1972, he moved his wife and two daughters to the USA where he was offered positions in California, Illinois, then Wisconsin. He furthered his studies and attained a master's degree in business from the University of Wisconsin. He was last employed in Houston for 26 years at NASA, receiving three major awards until retirement.

With much encouragement from his wife, a higher calling asked Ernesto to study and become an ordained deacon in 1999. His life would never be the same. He faithfully and fervently served two catholic churches, Saint Faustina Parish (August 2014) in Fulshear, Texas and Notre Dame Parish (February 1999) in Houston with his wife, MariPaz, dedicating time and joy to the ministries of marriage preparation, baptism, funeral, homebound, counseling, and other diaconate services. He also cherished his duties as a Grand Knight of Columbus at Saint Justin Martyr Parish and a Spiritual Director of the Southwest Curia Legion of Mary.

In addition to his devotion to his faith, he shared his love for reading, gardening, home repairs, sports, history, and travel with his wife and two daughters. His favorite family vacations included summer drives around various parts of the United States with his family, returning often to his hometown to spend quality time with his siblings, and visiting historic places he would read about, such as Israel and Western Europe.

Deacon Ernesto is the beloved husband of 56 years to MariPaz Bago Abadejos of Batangas, Philippines, whom he wed on Sept 4, 1966. He is also survived by the rest of his family: two daughters and their husbands-Pauline and Brian Tremaine with their children Brinn, Brett, Malea; and Jocelyn and Rick Aventurado with their children Joseph Ernest, Jori Elise Paz, Riley Paz, Ridge Ernest; and his siblings Aurora Abadejos Paras, Romeo Abadejos, Carmelita Abadejos DeMesa, and Remedias Abadejos Perez. As in their youth, he is sharing much laughter in heaven with his ever-so-jubilant and witty youngest brother, Orlando Abadejos, who preceded him.

Deacon Ernesto's family invites relatives and friends on May 26 to Saint Faustina Church, 28102 FM 1093, Fulshear, TX to attend Wake 9:15-9:45 AM, Rosary 9:45-10:00 AM, Eulogy/Mass 10:00-11:30 AM, Reception 11:30 AM-12:30 PM; then Interment/Burial 2 PM at Forest Lawn Cemetery 8601 Almeda Genoa Rd, Houston, TX.

Youtube link to livestream event will be available.

Any memorial contribution can be given personally to the family.

His family is sincerely grateful to you for celebrating his life with us.