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Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City

500 Westlake Avenue

Daly City, California

Ness Aquino Obituary

Ness Agbayani Aquino

December, 1934-July, 2014

A Native Son of Lapog, Philippine Islands, passed away at home surrounded by his only child Troy, nephew Sean and caretaker Ivania. Ness is predeceased by his mother Antonia and father Modesto. The eldest of 5 children, Ness is survived by his brother Charles (Remy), and sisters; Efren and Jean.
Ness arrived in San Francisco on a student visa at age 17 and graduated with a degree in Business Administration from San Francisco State University. Shortly after marrying Julia Santos he was drafted into the United States Army and stationed in Germany in 1960.
Ever the entrepreneur, Ness closed his real estate business the late sixties to open a small Pilipino restaurant on Kearny Street in San Francisco. After much success he went on to open The Mabuhay Gardens on Broadway, a Pilipino Supper Club. In the 1970's the Mabuhay became known as the Fab Mab, featuring many local San Francisco groups and new to the music scene Punk Rock bands.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 23rd from 4:00 to 9:00pm at Duggan's Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave., Daly City. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 24th at The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Daly City

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 19 to Jul. 21, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Ness Aquino

Not sure what to say?





Kathleen

June 19, 2025

I worked with Ness during the " Punk and music scene days at "The Mabuhay Gardens. "He was a kind soul and a respected business man. Everyone loved him! I'm so sad he is gone. We built memories for a lifetime....God bless him. He was a "one- of- a kind person. Loved him. Everybody who came into contact with him did! Rest in peace, Ness. You are not forgotten.

Patricia Stirling

July 14, 2024

The Fab Mab was an extremely important part of my life while coming to age in San Francisco. I will remember and love Ness forever for making it possible (along with Dirk, of course).

Bill Schmidt

July 23, 2023

Had many good times at the Mabuhay Gardens. RIP Ness.

Patricia Stirling

July 13, 2022

Mabuhay Gardens was my coming of age. I was drawn to it like a moth to a magic flame, and to you and Dirk like my favorite uncles. The love you had for what you did overflowed into so many of us!

Joanie Harrison-'hamasaki

July 5, 2021

Ness Aquino
The kindness.
The caring.
The Loving.
Individual.

Carole Lennon

August 13, 2015

You will always be remembered for changing San Francisco for so many young people

Cecilia Frightwig

August 19, 2014

Though my soul shall set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light.
I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.

Theresa Soder

August 18, 2014

You were such a lovely person and gave us so much. You will be missed and I am so grateful to have known you.

Stannous Flouride

August 18, 2014

I just arranged for this to stay online for one more year.
Stan

Dan Rancid The Afflicted

August 16, 2014

Thank you Ness for making me and my friends feel like a real band before we actually were...In a world filled with sharks you were a friend.

Elle Smith

July 28, 2014

Thank you Ness for making a place for the music to happen.

hank the bank

July 27, 2014

when the band I managed played the Mab on a friday night, I knew we'd it the top. Ness made it happen and he always served good food!!

Sherry O 'Donnell

July 26, 2014

Ness, a warm heart and daring fixture to many

Hank Milan

July 24, 2014

In his latter years Ness became the "Colossal Man" like in the 1960s b&w movie with his head shaved.Surprisingly he outlived DDirksen. Mabuhay and Aloha Mr.Aquino
Sincerely, from Henry

Patti Valuroso-Sailor

July 24, 2014

Uncle Ness you were ALWAYS that SHINING STAR N SMILE that made everyone feel special. The "Gardens" was the BEST, I remember going there for the 1st time and thinking "WOW UNCLE'S PLACE IS COOL!" I also remember our NSL family functions I couldn't wait for you to get there 'cause I wanted to see what your fashion statement was gonna be. You ALWAYS made us kids feel special and I THANK YOU for that. You are truly missed, Uncle THANK YOU FOR BEING THE GREAT MAN WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE AND HAD SUCH STYLE. What? PARTY IN HEAVEN WITH UNCLE NESS! SUCH STYLE...LOVE YOU UNCLE. RIP

Sophia Nyct

July 23, 2014

Peaceful journey... I will always appreciate your support for both the underground music scene and the Filipino community.

Josephine Torio

July 23, 2014

Although I did not know you personally, I will always appreciate the support you gave to both the underground music scene and Filipino community.

steve burgess

July 22, 2014

Ness....goodby dear friend, thank you fro the years of music and the good food. Long Live Ness and the Mabuhat

Pam Valuroso Herrera

July 22, 2014

Rest in peace and Love Uncle Ness!! The Mabuhay Restaurant Was the BEST. Thank you for being who you are...loving, kind and showing us that nothing is impossible!! Pam Valuroso Herrera for the Valuroso Ohana, Glenn and Patti!!!

Raven Meadows

July 22, 2014

Thank you Ness for giving so many of us kids a place to play our music ,,, the Fab Mab . <3 rave... PS. Say Hi to Tommy

Harley Acer

July 22, 2014

RIP-I will always remember the excitement your bought us with The Mabuhay Gardens. During my high school years, I always walked or drove by there.

July 22, 2014

R I P may your spirit be surrounded in the golden white light of perfect peace Mark S

Marlon

July 22, 2014

Another stitch in the quiltwork that made San Francisco what it was. Long Live Ness!

July 21, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Bernadette Agbayani

July 21, 2014

Before my Dad (Vicente Aquino Agbayani) left for his military assignment in Korea, he asked Uncle Ness to watch over our family especially that my mother had a severe nervous condition. Although Uncle Ness had a hectic schedule at SF-State, he kept his promise to my Dad by checking in on us frequently and sometimes sleeping over our place. He became our “Uncle/Big Brother!” Uncle Ness we thank-you for your loyalty and keeping your promise to my Dad. You are forever in our hearts. May you rest in peace in God's kingdom and may eternal light shine upon you. Vaya Con Dios! (The children and their families of the late Esther and Vicente A. Agbayani)

Michele Rebelle

July 21, 2014

So many memories to pick one that sticks in my head, Rabbitt and Ness planning out what they were going to make for Monday Free Spaghetti night. They were planning out this menu that was not spaghetti. and then they said let's just make spaghetti. I was laughing so hard. Do they do that every week?

Zenaida Agbayani Omega

July 21, 2014

I started an import/export business about the time Uncle Ness opened his restaurant--The Mabuhay Gardens. Uncle Ness was super generous in purchasing many of the Philippine ice creams I had in stock and other food products. Uncle Ness you made me feel like a great success in my new business and I won't forget your generosity and kindness, thank-you! Eternal rest grant unto him Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him, may his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in Peace, Amen!

Carole Lennon

July 21, 2014

Thank you Ness for all you did for San Francisco and the punk rock music scene.

Henry L.

July 21, 2014

I didn't recognize you when they had a gettogether for DDirksen. I thought you had become a punkrocker with your new hairstyle. I enjoyed the halohaloes at the MabuhayGardens during dinner and before punkrock time.SoLong from Henry

Lorraine Cathey

July 21, 2014

Rest in Peace, Ness. You remembered having taken a P.E. class with my dad at SF State, the first time we came to your restaurant. You treated my grandmother like a queen. Your cocktail, the 'Masarap' delighted us. And then, you moved on up, and opened a club on Broadway. As a Filipina American, I thank you; as a punk rocker, I thank you; as a member of the Cathey family, I thank you. Generous, expansive and loyal were some of the traits you carried. Rest with angels, old friend.

Jesus Gonzales

July 21, 2014

Pahinga na po kayo Sir Ness. Malaki po ang respeto ko sa inyo. Isa kayo sa mga mentor ko sa larangan ng pag suporta ng musikang original/independent/punk. Marami pong Salamat sa inyo.

Jesse (piNoisepop, SF)

Ted Speros

July 21, 2014

Ness, you gave us our start. You took chances when no one else would. You were a true pioneer and just a sweet, sweet guy. I'll never forget you. Salamat Po!!

Chris Steel

July 21, 2014

Farewell Ness. Sleep well.

July 21, 2014

Thanks Ness for your humor and vision. We'll miss you.

Klaus Flouride

July 20, 2014

San Francisco and it's alternate artist community and north Beach wouldn't have been what it was without Ness and his help. He helped change San Francisco for the better.

Ninja Death

July 20, 2014

Thank you Unkle Ness for watching out for me & for giving our band a place to play at & for giving my Unkle Stan Getz free cutty sark (and taking it out of our band money-LOL!) I luve you poppa! X

Susie Barrett

July 20, 2014

Thank you SO much for making SF such a welcoming place to so many. Sincerest condolences to your family and peace to you Ness

Dyan - Buckelew Derringer

July 20, 2014

I will never forget what you did for me. You fed me, gave me shelter, loved me and gave me a chance. RIP My dear friend...

Nancy Seguin

July 20, 2014

Dear Family of Ness,
I am sorry to hear about Ness. I always found him to be smiling and kind. My nights spent at the Mab were always filled with a lot of laughter & fun. I will never forget them & him.

Sincerely,
Nancy Seguin

Patricia Rodriguez

July 20, 2014

Sincere thanks for bringing us all together

Patty Stirling

July 20, 2014

Thanks for getting a good idea that just got better and better for so many, many people.

MJ Barbeau

July 20, 2014

Fond memories of more interesting times. Thank you Ness for being at the heart of a community. Much respect. Rest in peace.

July 20, 2014

Thank you for the memories; you will always be remembered.

Michelle

Douglas Melvin

July 20, 2014

Thank you for giving us a place where we could just be ourselves, free of judgment. The Fab Mab was safe haven to so many of us.

John Marquand

July 20, 2014

Thank you Ness--you were a saint among sinners...

Devorah Butterworth

July 20, 2014

Thank you for everything you did for all of us, Ness. You will be missed.

Ruby Blackstock

July 20, 2014

You were a wonderful friend, employer and companion and I was privileged to be part of your life. You did so much for the San Francisco punk music scene and will be remembered fondly by many.

Jimmy Friedman

July 20, 2014

Thank you Ness, I'm so sorry to your family. you were a very kind man to all of us.

July 19, 2014

Thanks for getting a good idea that just got better and better for so many, many people.

Terry Hammer

July 19, 2014

Goodbye old friend.I will always treasure the great times we had at the Mabuhay!!

Emilie Glover Gatfield

July 19, 2014

You had a knack for making people feel special. Thank you for everything you did, for all of us.

Steve Ricablanca

July 19, 2014

Ness really helped VKTMS out to let us play in his club. He was always straight up with people. I'll always have him in my heart.

David Velasquez

July 19, 2014

Good journey, Ness! We owe you more than we could ever repay.

Just being ourselves in a good place.

Chichi x

July 19, 2014

Thank you, Ness! You opened the doors to all who needed a place where they felt welcome, you provided that and much, much more.
Peace be with you always.

Cecilia Kuhn

July 19, 2014

Thank you for what you did for our little community. Your presence helped to change my life. Fly free, Ness.

Mickey Sampson

July 19, 2014

Thanks for everything Ness. So many of us grew up under your eye.

Mike Barbeau

July 19, 2014

Many great times at your club Ness, You made SF a better place to be. My thanks go with you on your journey to your own better place.

Against the alley wall of the Mab.

Stannous Flouride

July 19, 2014

It was great to see Ness at the Dirk Dirksen/Mab reunion show at the Fillmore a couple of years ago.
Still lively and witty, the Ness who hired me to cook Thanksgiving for the punks at the Mabuhay back on the day.
May he rest in peace and live forever in the hearts pf those who knew him.

Showing 1 - 58 of 58 results

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Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City

500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City, CA 94014

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