Miguel Gumba

HMC(FMF) Miguel Oneza Gumba, CPO, US Navy, Ret Miguel Oneza Gumba, 71, of Vallejo, CA passed away on April 11, 2024 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Palo Alto after a short battle with cancer. Miguel is lovingly remembered by his wife Josefina, daughters Michelle, Angela, Geraldane and Rosemary, grandchildren Russell, Rosalie, and Isaac, siblings Betsy, Jun, Eva and Romy and countless friends and family. Born on April 3, 1953 in Ligao, Albay, Philippines, to Jose Perdigon Gumba and Constancia Padua Oneza, Miguel was adored by his parents as the first-born son following 7 daughters. Miguel graduated from Mayon High School in 1971, later attending college at Adamson University, Manila, Philippines where he studied Accounting. In 1977, he left the Philippines to work in Saudi Arabia. There, Miguel worked as a statistician for the Saudi Arabia Port Authority at Port Jubail. In 1978, Miguel began what would become a 46-year long loving and devoted relationship with Josefina.The two originally met as penpals and would go on to write to each other nearly daily for four years before finally meeting in 1981. Miguel and Josefina’s friendship and love inevitably led to matrimony. They celebrated civil marriage on March 20, 1981 and enjoyed a church wedding ceremony on April 14, 1982. On July 27, 1987, Miguel enlisted in the US Navy with a specialty in radiology. His military service would take him on travels around the world, including Northern and Southern California, Japan, and Saudi Arabia, where he served a tour of duty in Operation Desert Storm. Personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Colleagues knew him for his big smile and happy attitude, known for telling his battalion members “I take care of you, man.” Miguel retired from active duty in August 2009, after 22 years of service as a commendable Chief Petty Officer as HMC (FMF). Miguel loved to travel with his family. He regularly revisited known and dearly loved places such as Hawaii and the Philippines. He aspired to visit all of the natural wonders of the US, and landmarks of great historical significance. Miguel’s travels in retirement brought him to new countries across the Atlantic, including the UK, France, Spain, Greece, Italy and Israel. His trip to the Holy Lands was a life-long goal. He found joy in Jerusalem, touching the miraculous, healing mud and swimming in the Dead Sea. Next to his faith in God, the most important thing in Miguel’s life was the love and dedication he had for his family. Miguel prided himself on being resourceful, industrious, and forward-thinking. He was always applying these principles in order to protect and provide for his loved ones, often prioritizing their well-being before his own. And though some knew him as a man of strong moral fiber but few words, Miguel was a man of profound thoughtfulness and curiosity. Although we were blindsided by his sudden illness, Miguel fought honorably, with tremendous strength and dignity. We are devastated to have lost a central figure in our family; however, we are comforted by the knowledge that Miguel’s soul now rests in eternal peace.

Miguel Gumba

April 3, 1953 - April 11, 2024