Felipe Sermonia "Phil" Dancel

Felipe Sermonia "Phil" Dancel passed away at the age of 85 on Thursday, May 25, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Grace, children Michael (Jessica) Dancel, Philip (Mandy) Dancel, Michelle (Michael) Barata, Patrick (Alina) Dancel, and grandchildren Matthew, Skylar, Mason, Sienna, Eva, Simon, Leila, Mateus, and Cyrus, as well as many nieces and nephews and their children. The oldest of four children, he is also survived by his sisters, Anita (Pablo) Rabanal and Flora Agbisit, and was preceded in death by his brother, Leo (Aida) Dancel and brother-in-law Gene Agbisit. Phil was born on August 23, 1937, in Los Banos, Philippines, to Simeon and Modesta Dancel. He joined the U.S. Navy and was assigned to bases in Rhode Island and California before settling in Atlantic Beach, Florida. He and Grace were joined in Florida by Phil's father-in-law, Blas "Pa" Baraoidan. Through the Navy he emigrated to the US in 1960 and he retired after 22 years of service. He then worked an additional ten years on Mayport Naval Station. After retirement, he was active in serving the poor in the Philippines and was proud of the Dancel dormitory he built to house university students in his hometown. He was good with his hands, and enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and cooking. Phil was a devoted member of his church community, served as a youth group leader with Couples for Christ, and was known as the "mayor" of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Atlantic Beach, FL. He and Grace have sponsored dozens of newlywed couples and are the godparents of many godchildren. Phil will be remembered for his generous service, dry wit and sense of humor, and pride and commitment to his family and community.
The following services will be held in Phil's memory: Friday, June 2, 2023 4:30 - 5:00 PM Novena Prayers
5:00 - 8:00 PM viewing at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 2400 Mayport Rd. Atlantic Beach, FL 2233
Saturday, June 3, 2023 10:00 - 11:00 AM viewing, 11:00 - 12:00 PM Funeral Mass at St John the Baptist Catholic Church 2400 Mayport Rd. Atlantic Beach, FL 32233. Burial will take place after the mass at Beaches Memorial Park 1500 Main St. Atlantic Beach, FL 32233. There will be a reception to follow at St. John the Baptist Parish Hall at 1:00 PM. The arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services at Beaches Memorial Park, 1500 Main Street, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233. 904-249-1166.