Romeo "Buddy" Negapatan

Celebrating the Life of

Romeo "Buddy" Negapatan (1946-2022)

Written by Chris Negapatan

Romeo was born on December 27th, 1946 in Bantayan Island in the Philippines. Romeo
was a hard-working individual starting at a young age where he began to put effort to support
himself and his family. As hard as life was growing up in poverty, Romeo was very persevering,
resilient, and patient when it came to battling through the toughest challenges while excelling in
his studies. Romeo attended the University of Santo Tomas for an undergraduate degree in
accounting, but was unfortunately unable to finish his academic goals due to a heavy work-study
schedule and financial reasons. From always helping out those around him, Romeo earned the
nickname "Buddy", a name that was unique to him and well-known amongst his family, friends,
and colleagues; he was also known as a man who was very easy to become buddies with because
of his friendly and approachable demeanor.
In 1979, Romeo made his debut in the United States from the Philippines where he first
started working with the Evangelista family. Romeo was a man of many talents ranging from a
skilled carpenter and handyman, seasoned fisherman, and an amazing cook. In 1982, he met
Erlinda "Beng" in Michigan while working with the Evangelista family, they then later married
in spring of 1990. After a few more years of enjoying married life they gave birth to their only
son, Chris, in 1997.
Romeo then went onto committing forty-three years of service with the Evangelista family
as a building maintenance supervisor, and at the same time raising his family to the best of his
abilities. Romeo loved to watch vintage Filipino action films, explore new cooking recipes,
spending time with his family and friends, listening to The Beatles, fishing, and getting involved with
household projects. Along with being a true family man, Romeo was a man of faith and always
stayed true to his values, integrity, and as a servant of The Lord.
In fall of 2021, Romeo was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. With uncertainty and fear
looming in his mind, he set his focus on staying as strong and as healthy as possible. As he fought,
his wife and son contributed infinite gestures of love, support, and care. Romeo's tedious battle with
cancer would come to an end in July of 2022, where he passed away peacefully in the hands of his
family and outstanding nursing staff at Maple Manor Rehab Center in Novi. Romeo is survived by
his wife, son, and sister (Marilyn). Romeo will be forever known as a man who absolutely loved his
family and friends, and someone who epitomizes dedication, discipline, and selflessness.

Visitation will take place

Sunday, July 24, 2022

3:00pm until 8:00pm

Fred Wood Funeral Home

36100 Five Mile Road Livonia, Michigan 48154

The funeral Mass will be held

Monday, July 25, 2022

Instate 10:30am ~ Mass 11:00am

Saint Genevieve-St. Maurice Catholic Church

29015 Jamison St, Livonia, Michigan 48154

Arrangements entrusted to

Wessel & Wilk Funeral Home

(248) 543-0100

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