Lauro Villagracia's Obituary
Msgt (Ret.) Lauro Villagracia Sr.
"Larry"
August 18, 1918 - May 9, 2009
On Saturday, May 9th Lauro Villagracia Sr. passed away. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Although he was a man of few words, Larry's actions and life reflected the things that were important to him- family, country and community. Larry was born on August 18, 1918 in Lubang, Occ. Mindoro Philippines. It was in the Philippines that Larry embarked on two of his greatest accomplishments in life; service to the country and family. While a soldier with the Philippine Scouts, Larry met Luz Carmen his wife of 68 years they married on March 16, 1941. As Larry and Luz started their family, World War II broke out and Larry's service to his country was crucial. During this time Larry spent over three months as a prisoner of war at Camp O'Donnell. Upon his release, Larry returned to Lubang and his fellow soldiers to continue the fight against the Japanese. Throughout his 23 year military career Larry was a highly decorated Veteran of two wars receiving the Bronze Star (W/V) Commendation MedalE(W/V) and Prisoner of War Medal. In addition to his career in the military, Larry spent 21 years supporting the military as a employee of AAFESE(Army Air Force Exchange Service) where he retired as a warehouse manager. In 1960, Larry moved his family to the United States and settled in Lakewood, the place that would be home for the remainder of his life. Larry led his family by example teaching all of his children the value of hard work and the importance of family. Although Larry worked hard and was the provider of the family, he made sure that the family spent time together. His children remember picking berries in the summer, going to dances, picnics with other Filipino families, the everyday togetherness of being a family of seven in a three-bedroom home and the anticipation of report card time and lining up to review their grades with him. As the years passed Larry and Luz's home on Lila Lane became the second home for their grandchildren. During his retirement Larry found himself dealing once again with teenage girls on the phone too long, school pick ups & drop offs, bicycles in the driveway and a house full of noise. To his grandchildren Larry was the family historian he told them stories of military life, the Philippines, his children when they were young and most importantly he was always there with his camera to capture the story of his grandchildren for the next generation of Villagracias. In the last ten years of his life Larry enjoyed seeing his grandchildren have children and give him the gift of being a great grandfather. To his great grandchildren Larry was a man who enjoyed life at a slower pace and was a constant source of hugs and kisses. Throughout his life Larry was committed to community. He along with fellow Philippine Scouts who had also settled in Lakewood were the foundation for the strong Filipino American Community that exist in the area today, he was an active member of the VFW and POW and he also volunteered many years as the photographer for the Korean Women's Association senior meal site program. Larry is survived by his wife Luz Villagracia and six children: Virgilio (Gloria), Larry Jr. (Aurora), Josephine (Pedro), Rebecca (Junior), Charlie (Adelle), and Richard; 15 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Albert (Nanette) and granddaughter Christine. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Tifa and the team of caregivers provided by Catholic Community Services whose kind hearts and care were of great comfort during the last year. A viewing and rosary will be held from 3:00pm-8:30pm with the rosary beginning at 6:30pm on Tuesday (5/12) and Wednesday (5/13) at the Celebration of Life Center at Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00am on Thursday (5/14) at St. Frances Cabrini Church followed by a celebration of Larry's life at the Tacoma Elk's Club at 2:00pm. In honor of Larry's wishes the family ask that those attending the memorial services not wear black and dress in colorful island attire.
What’s your fondest memory of Lauro?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lauro?
Share a story where Lauro's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lauro you’ll never forget.
How did Lauro make you smile?