Hernani T. Almeda

Hernani (Nani) Almeda passed away peacefully on June 6, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife, Milagros (Mila) Diaz Almeda, his dear children, Heramil (Ramie) Almeda (and wife, Cheryl), and Laurie Ann Almeda-Gibson, and his precious grandchildren, Jacob (and wife, Addison), Luciano, Jireh, Abigail, Casiana, and Lillian. Nani was preceded in death by his parents Dr. Luciano and Castora Almeda, his brother Eliezer, and his sister, Cynthia.

Lolo (“Grandpa” in Filipino), as he was lovingly called for the last 27 years since the birth of his oldest grandchild, was born in Manila, Philippines and earned his college degree in business from The University of the East. He first met the love of his life, Mila, at age 20, and two years later they married in 1969. Later that same year, they immigrated to the United States, and together, they began to build their lives, first in Chicago, and then in Royal Oak and Troy, Michigan. Lolo first worked as an accountant at the Palmer House Hotel in downtown Chicago, then as head of personnel at the Sheraton Cadillac Hotel in Detroit. Eventually, he started his own thriving business called “Space Care.” Lolo’s professional work only accounts for a bit of his rich intellect and work ethic. Lolo could do it all – build, plan, manage and produce – all kinds of work and relationships, and he did so with excellence. He loved people and each person who spent time with him felt they were better for experiencing his deep kindness, rich integrity, and his incredibly fun sense of humor.

Laughter was a key ingredient in every occasion spent with Lolo. He perfected the “dad joke,” and found no greater joy than to lovingly entertain Lola, his children, and his grandchildren. He treated strangers and friends with equal respect; he represented the joyful spirit of a true believer, emphasizing that each moment he spent with someone was a moment to enjoy fully. Lolo made friends easily and rarely missed a piano recital, dance performance, sporting event and school or church program his kids and grandkids were involved in. Always showing-up dressed in style, Lolo made a memorable impression on each person he met.

Lolo loved deeply and was deeply loved. He was involved with the Methodist Church in each community in which he and Lola lived. He developed sound friendships and served his family and his community faithfully. He was devoted to Mila for 55 years of marriage and each day they shared was precious. Lolo had a profound sense of family commitment and exemplified high integrity. He has passed these qualities on to the generations that followed. He was incredibly proud of his children – Ramie and Laurie – and had a bottomless well of affection for his

dear grandchildren. With each one of them, he cultivated a personal, special relationship that will live long beyond his passing and we will carry his legacy with us as we continue to live and grow in our faith. Within our strong family relationships, we will continue to honor him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, at the Westwood United Methodist Church at 538 Nichols Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49006.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be shared in Hernani’s honor with Westwood Methodist Church and Rose Arbor Hospice.