Fidel Rivera Dabu

Fidel Rivera Dabu Jr. passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, at 10:35 p.m. at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Born and raised in Floridablanca, Fidel's early years shaped the steady and principled man his family came to know and love. He attended Guagua National Colleges and St. Augustine Academy, experiences that helped form the discipline and work ethic he carried throughout his life. He lived by a simple but powerful set of values: show up, do what is right, and take care of your family. These were not just beliefs, they were the way he lived.

Fidel served his country honorably in the United States Army for over two decades, retiring as a Staff Sergeant and Medical Laboratory Specialist. His service during the Vietnam era reflected discipline, courage, and steadfast commitment. Among his commendations were the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the Air Medal, along with additional honors recognizing his dedicated military service.

After retiring from the Army, Fidel continued working in safety-focused roles and later joined UPS, where he earned a 17-Year Safe Work Award. This recognition reflected the same careful, responsible nature he brought to everything in his life: steady, dependable, and consistent.

Beyond his service and career, Fidel will be remembered most for the man he was at home. He was loving, reliable, and deeply devoted to his family. He believed in being present, especially for those you love. He taught his daughters that family is not optional; you show up no matter what. His calm presence brought steadiness to those around him, and his quiet strength gave others a sense of peace and security.

He also had a lighthearted side and loved to make jokes, often finding simple ways to make people laugh. His humor brought warmth into the room and reminded those around him not to take life too seriously. Even in difficult moments, he had a way of easing tension with a smile or a playful comment.

He enjoyed cars, appreciating both their design and mechanics, and he loved technology, capturing moments and memories that mattered. His greatest joy was his family, guiding them, supporting them, and simply being there.

Fidel is survived by his wife, Evangeline Sangil Dabu; his daughters, Katerina Sangil Dabu and Janet Sangil Dabu; his siblings, Francisco R. Dabu; Joseph R. Dabu and his wife Yolanda C. Dabu; and Norma R. Dabu; and by his beloved grandson, Denzel Alexander Brown.

He leaves behind cherished memories and a lasting legacy of loyalty, steadiness, humor, and unconditional love, reminding us that the most meaningful thing a person can do in this life is to be there for others.