Abraham Aguilar Cahayag's Obituary
Honoring the Life of Abraham Clemente Aguilar Cahayag
March 26, 1941 – February 3, 2026
Abraham Clemente Aguilar Cahayag was born on March 26, 1941, in Bicol J. Panganiban, Camarines Norte, Philippines. He was the first of eight children, born to the late Clemente and Salvacion Cahayag.
Abraham attended Tatalon Elementary in Quezon City and graduated from Naga High School in Catanduanes, Philippines. He attended Mapua University in Manila, majoring in Electrical Engineering, before joining the United States Coast Guard in 1966, where he served for four years. During his time in service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. It was also during this period that he met his wife, Bernarda Rule de Vera, before leaving the military.
Abraham (Abe) married the love of his life, Bernarda (Bernie), on January 19, 1969, and settled in Oakland, California to raise a family. In the heart of Oakland is where the family continued to grow surrounded by extended relatives from both the Cahayag and de Vera sides.
Abe loved to sing and had a natural talent for playing the piano by ear. At one point, he and his brothers formed a band called The Strobes, spending countless hours rehearsing in a backyard shed that he transformed into a music studio.
Eventually Abe and Bernie found themselves moving to Vallejo, California where they raised their two children, Arnold and Aimee. After developing an interest in computer science, Abe worked for Raytheon Data Systems and Memorex Telex before concluding his professional journey with Exxon Benicia Refinery, where he later retired.
Like his father, Abe was a natural handyman and was known to build or repair just about anything. He enjoyed being outdoors- camping, fishing, biking, gardening. He also had a deep love for tennis and could be often found on the court each day, enjoying the game he cherished.
Abraham Clemente Aguilar Cahayag is survived by his wife Bernarda; his two children and their respective spouse/partner, Arnold and Rhea, Aimee Ellen and Adrian; and his four grandchildren, Vanessa, Jasmine, Khali Abraham, and Adriano.
Abraham also leaves his siblings, Ruben, Aurora, Lorna, Hercules, and James, as well as his many nieces and nephews and their families, to cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clemente and Salvacion, and his brothers, Ferdinand and Edgar.
His presence will be deeply missed, and his spirit will be carried in our hearts forever.
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