Rogelio Gavino Valdez

Rogelio "Gil" or "Roger" Gavino Valdez, Sr., 83, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025, at 7:57 p.m. in the comfort of his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with his beloved wife by his side. After a courageous battle with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), he made the heartfelt decision to discontinue dialysis in order to spend his remaining time in peace and in the loving presence of his family and closest friends.
Roger was born on November 4, 1942, in Camiling, Tarlac, Philippines, to Eugenio and Maria Carmen Valdez. Raised in humble beginnings, he learned early the value of hard work, patience, and perseverance. As a young boy helping on the family farm, he witnessed his parents' dedication and strength-qualities he carried proudly throughout his own life.
He graduated from Camiling Secondary Institute and later earned his Associate Degree in Agriculture from Tarlac College of Technology in Camiling, Tarlac. Seeking a better future, he applied to the United States Navy and was blessed to pass the interview. He joined the U.S. Navy on March 4, 1966, beginning a distinguished 20-year military career.
Roger served with honor as a Steward and later as a Culinary Specialist, with duty stations and assignments including Pensacola, FL; USS Enterprise; USS Mauna Kea; USS Saratoga; and Squadron 103. He also served as a BEQ Manager. He retired from the U.S. Navy on September 30, 1986, proud of the service he had given to his adopted country.
Shortly after, on October 30, 1986, Roger began a second career as a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier. He again dedicated 20 years of faithful service before retiring on October 30, 2006.
Later that year, he joined the Knights of Columbus at St. Luke's Catholic Church and received the rank of 3rd degree knight, with 19 years of dedicated service.
Roger's life was grounded in simple joys and steady devotion. He loved fishing, gardening, and serving his church-as an altar server, usher, and chairman. Known as a quiet man of few words, he believed deeply in action, integrity, and doing things as close to perfect as possible. Roger valued true friendship and enjoyed gathering with friends after church to share stories from their Navy days.
As a husband and father, he was a strong provider and loving. To his sons, he often reminded: "It is what you need, not what you want. Love each other. Support each other. Learn how to plant vegetables to save money." His wisdom, discipline, and unwavering devotion remain among his greatest gifts to his family.
Roger was predeceased by his father, Eugenio; his mother, Maria Carmen; his sister, Dida; and his brother, Ben.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Corazon B. Valdez; his sons Joe C. Valdez, Rogelio B. "Jojo" Valdez, and Christopher B. Valdez; his daughter-in-law Virel Niña A. Valdez; and his cherished grandsons Marcellus A. Valdez and Nathaniel A. Valdez. He is also survived by his sisters Naty El Mundo and Norma Valdez, as well as extended family and friends who loved him dearly.
Roger Valdez leaves behind a legacy of service, humility, hard work, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives he touched.
The Valdez family will receive visitors at Hollomon-Brown Princess Anne Chapel (3445 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456) on Monday, Dec. 8, from 5pm to 9pm. The wake will be officiated by Deacon Kevin Trail, followed by Old Glory Flag Presentation by Master Chief (retired) Ron Copon, U.S. Navy retired, and Roger's retired U.S. Navy friends.
Funeral mass and Knights of Columbus Honor Guard will be at St. Luke Catholic Church (2304 Salem Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456) on Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 11am-12pm, fellowship will follow in the community hall until 1:30pm. Interment and military funeral honors will be conducted at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery (5310 Milners Rd, Suffolk, VA 23434) at 3pm promptly, by the U.S. Navy, and proud military service members from his family - Major Chris Valdez, U.S. Army, Sergeant Major (retired) Arturo Bautista, U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant (retired) Orlando Bautista, U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant Federico Bautista, U.S. Army, and Airman First Class Andrei Bautista, U.S. Air Force.