Manuel Casabar Cabacungan

Manuel Casabar Cabacungan passed away peacefully in Vacaville, California on Sunday, January 28, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Manuel is the son of Silverio Cabacungan and Zoila Casabar and was born in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, where he grew up in a farming community. He attended Narvacan Provincial High School and University of the East in Manila, Philippines where he earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and History. After graduation, he landed his first job as a history teacher in Palawan and then in Manila. Manuel immigrated to the United States in 1967 to pursue the American Dream, settling in Vallejo, California. His first and only employer in the US was the City of Vallejo, where he started as a typist clerk and worked his way up, ultimately retiring in 1996 as the Housing Program Manager of the City’s Section 8 Housing Assistance Department. Manuel was a dedicated public servant and was passionate about his work - he devoted his 30-year career to helping low-income people with their housing needs. In 1969, Manuel married the love of his life, Theresita Montero Cabuena, who was best friends with his youngest sister Gertrudes Cabacungan. They were friends throughout high school and reconnected again after moving to the United States. Two years later they got married and had two children, Cecille and Manuel Jr. After retiring in 1996, Manuel spent most of his time with Theresita volunteering with the Fil-Am Community in Fairfield and Lincoln CA, as well as delivering food to senior citizens in need with Meals on Wheels. His favorite past-time was traveling the world with Theresita where they explored over 20 countries together. Some of their most memorable destinations include: Machu Picchu, Santorini, and Rome. Manuel also enjoyed annual family vacations to the Hawaiian islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Manuel was preceded in death by his parents (Silverio Cabacungan and Zoila Casabar); sisters Esther Banez (d. 1981), Anastacia Macabeo (d. 1998), Gertrudes Cabacungan (d. 2012), Natividad Cabello (d. 2019); and niece Leslie Banez (d. 2022). He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Theresita Cabuena Cabacungan; daughter Cecille Cabacungan; son Manuel Cabacungan Jr.; brother-in-law Vicente Cabello; nephew Crisologo Cabello; niece Carina Cabello; grand-niece Nikka Cabello; grand-nephew Christian Cabello; nephew Gale Banez; grand-niece Holly Banez-Olson, and grand-nephew Matt Banez-Olson. Manuel will be greatly missed. His bright smile could light up any sized room. He was the most caring and giving person, always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, and a beloved brother, grandfather, uncle, and dear friend to all who graced his presence and spent time with him.

Manuel Casabar Cabacungan

November 15, 1935 - January 28, 2024