Freddie Mabilangan

VISITATION AND MASS ARE PRIVATE, BUT THE MASS MAY BE VIEWED AT: St. Isidore’s Vimeo page: https://vimeo.com/482768942/b1beb046f9.

Godofredo “Freddie” Mabilangan passed away on his 77th birthday on November 16, 2020. He was the beloved husband of Wilma (née Sibulo); loving father of Rochelle (Jon), Michael, and Jeffrey (Elizabeth); adoring grandfather to Natalyse and Kaya; dear brother of Lazaro, Evelyn (Edgar), Lorna (Romeo), Renato (Loida), Lerma (Nick) and Marvin (Mareth); and uncle & friend to so many. Born in Batangas, Philippines, he was the son of the late Dalmacio & Cristeta and the second eldest of seven siblings. The family was rich in love, but Freddie had higher aspirations than being a farmer. He was determined to live the American Dream – and promised to take his family with him.
Freddie joined the band and taught mathematics to help pay for his tuition for high school and college, respectively. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the National University in Metro Manila. Two years after graduation, he immigrated to the United States as one of a select group of engineers recruited by Boeing in Seattle. He eventually moved to Chicago where he met his wife, Wilma, at a friend’s birthday party. It was love at first sight and they married the following year. That same year, he started to fulfill his promise and helped his mother immigrate to the US. He subsequently helped his siblings immigrate to the US, where they went on to successful careers and raising families in Illinois and Texas. Although they were not blood related, his in-laws on both his and his wife’s side became family. He became Kuya (big brother) Freddie, then Tito (uncle) Freddie to his nieces & nephews, and eventually, Lolo (grandpa) Freddie – a welcoming presence to all. Freddie and Wilma have three children – Rochelle, Michael & Jeffrey. He made sure they had every opportunity to prosper and have fulfilling lives. Following his entrepreneurial spirit, he switched careers and started his own businesses in insurance and finance. After a rewarding career, he was happily enjoying retirement, traveling the world and spending time with his wife, family and friends. He was very active in social & service organizations, including St. Isidore’s Sacred Heart Prayer Group. Most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren.
One word to describe Freddie is “selfless.” His sacrifices and hard work allowed many people to live better lives. And he did so humbly. He will be greatly missed – cooking for family gatherings, sharing a funny joke or story, and providing life advice. But his legacy will live on in each one of us he touched, taught and loved.

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We are touched that so many have reached out wanting to pay respects to our husband/father, Freddie. Under normal circumstances, we would have honored him with at minimum the same prayer services he has offered for so many of the faithfully departed and their families. But for the safety of all, the wake/viewing will be limited to the immediate family only. The Funeral Mass will be at St. Isidore Church on Saturday, November 28 at 10:45am and the service will be private. Those attending, masks and social distancing will be required. There will be a live stream of the service available on St. Isidore’s Vimeo page: https://vimeo.com/482768942/b1beb046f9.
We appreciate your understanding and regret that we are not able to gather in person for a wake service or post-funeral reception at this time, but look forward to celebrating his life in the future when it is safe to do so once again.