Romulo Empleo Tuzon

Romulo Empleo Tuzon, a longtime resident of Watsonville, passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. He was 69.

Romulo was born in the small town of San Esteban, Province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines, on November 1, 1955 to his loving parents, Amante Guzman Tuzon and Arsenia Pagaduan Empleo Tuzon. He was a farm boy who went to the City of Manila to study and pursue his university education.

After graduation, he traveled to the US and joined the Navy, serving during President Reagan's time in office. He was aboard that USS New Jersey Battleship, among those who were poised and ready. The world was a safer place because of a farm boy, turned city man, who then became a US Navy officer.

As a civilian, Romulo was in control of his life. He worked as an accountant in Manila, and in the US, he worked as an insurance underwriter for Farmers Insurance until his retirement. In his free time, Romulo enjoyed listening to music, watching boxing and basketball – he was Stephen Curry's #1 fan, and loved gambling big time.

Romulo is survived by his siblings, Rodolfo E. Tuzon, Iluminada T. (Conrado) Daproza, Ligaya T. (Honesimo) Orpilla, and Amy T. (John Dodd, III) Dodd. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Dominador Empleo Tuzon, and Ernesto Tuzon Senior. Romulo was a loving person and bid everyone farewell. He always prayed for peace for everyone in the whole world.

Viewing will be held at Mehl's Colonial Chapel 222 E. Lake Avenue on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 9:00am to 11:00am. Burial with military honors will take place at Valley Public Cemetery, 2445 E. Lake Avenue at 12:00 noon. Lunch reception to follow at Golden China Restaurant 1866 Main Street in Watsonville.

Published in The Pajaronian · April 29, 2025