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 Abadejos and 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.
Farewell Service
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.
Deacon Ernesto, May you rest in peace. We will definitely miss you.
We lost a beloved friend!
Our dear Deacon Ernie warmly welcomed my family and I to the Houston community when we relocated from Minnesota several years ago. From that moment, he and his lovely wife, Tita Paz became a significant part of our family.
Deacon Ernie was a man of all seasons, there was never a dull moment with him. He was a devoted dad, grandpa, father-in-law, and he cherished his wife very much. His sense of humor was contagious.
My family will miss him very dearly. We pray to God to comfort Tita Paz and his family. May Deacon Ernie’s kind soul rest peacefully in our Lord’s Kingdom. Amen.
I remember my time with Ernie during our seminary fondly. He was always cheerful a light shining for all to see.
May the angels lead him to paradise.
Deacon John Pelletier
Will miss his smile and hug before Tuesday morning mass! Prayers for Paz and family.
Thank you Deacon Ernie for introducing me to Prison Ministry here in Houston, TX. You are a blessing to us! Rest and peace! Remembering you n my prayers.
Ninong Deacon Ernie and Ninang Paz had guided us through our road to a Catholic marriage. Though Ninong will not be able to officiate our convalidation wedding this weekend anymore, we are grateful and blessed for all that he had done for us!
We remember the night before he passed… we were at Arby’s… finally had our last meeting for the wedding… everything set! His jolly face, wonderful smile, and great sense of humor filled up the empty place that night. “Are you ready?!” He asked! We gloriously said Yes! Who would have known, that will be the last night we would have with Ninong. 😔
Ninong Deacon Ernie, thank you so much!
So many of us care and love Ninang Paz. We would be here for her.
It was an honor for me to serve alongside Deacon Ernie for many years at Notre Dame. He always had a big smile on his face and his humor was unmatched. I was not aware of much of his background, other than knowing he literally was a “rocket scientist” who was always very humble and accommodating. Along with his wonderful wife, Paz, Deacon Ernie raised an awesome family that is already carrying on their beautiful legacy of service to others.
Ernie was such a joy to work with at United Space Alliance. My condolences to your family