ERASMO TUANQUIN PALAPO, 84, a man as unique and intriguing as his name, took his last breath quietly and peacefully at Arbors at Mifflin on April 25, 2024 from congestive heart failure. Erasmo, known to family as “Moy” and to friends as “Rusty”, had a big heart of gold. He lived a life full of love, loss, and adventure with many multifaceted layers as brilliant as the phases of the moon.
Erasmo was born on June 2, 1939, to Emilio and Pacita Palapo, in Midsayap, Cotabato, Philippines. At a young age, he lost his father and sister, Aurora, during the hardships of WWII, and as a teenager left his revered homeland to join his mother in San Francisco, California. Although separated by thousands of miles, his heart was never too far from the Philippines where, in 1985, he established The Palapo Scholarship at the Notre Dame Midsayap College, his Alma mater, that continues to help underprivileged students fulfill their dreams. The Palapo Legacy Farms, properties acquired by his parents in the 1930s and currently managed by faithful family members, continue to be a vital resource for generations of extended family and local residents.
While in San Francisco in the early 1960s, Erasmo’s destiny was set when he joined the United States Navy assigned to the Radio Communications Operational Division, and shortly thereafter, met the love of his life, Emilia Aspiras. The Navy afforded him a lifelong, rewarding, and adventurous career where he served on several naval ships; notably the USS Kitty Hawk (supercarrier), USS Zelima (Vietnam service), USS Donner (recovery ship for NASA Project Mercury with chimpanzee Ham), and USS Nassau (amphibious assault ship), and was stationed on naval bases throughout the world; including Sasebo, Japan, Lisbon, Portugal, and Norfolk, VA, accompanied by his wife and three daughters. Erasmo was a proud military veteran and received numerous awards including the National Defense Service Medal and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for his combat duties in Vietnam.
After Erasmo’s naval career and in civilian life, he focused on his passion for martial arts that he studied while stationed in Japan and earning a 4th degree black belt in karate. He opened his own Philippine Martial Arts studio in Dixon, CA, trained police officers on hand-to-hand fighting techniques, and worked as head Safety Administrator at Cache Creek Casino. In addition to his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture that he obtained in the Philippines, he continued his education at Solano Community College obtaining degrees in Criminal Justice and Industrial Management.
During Erasmo’s retirement years, he and Emilia continued their love of adventure by traveling throughout the United States and Canada in their motorhome, and settled in Mansfield, OH, to be closer to his youngest daughter and grandchildren. He had a jolly, playful personality, and he enjoyed writing poetry to express himself. Prior to his illnesses, he was very actively involved and held high positions in many organizations including the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Knights of Columbus, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rites, and American Red Cross. He communicated around the world on his ham radio with call sign KC6RYI and K8OFC. Even with a busy schedule, Erasmo never missed his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. Erasmo fiercely defended his family and, as a Catholic gentleman, championed those in need. Although his world went silent over the past ten years and until the end, he was an exemplary husband, father, Papa, friend, and comrade.
Erasmo is survived by his three daughters: Monette (Robert) Hernandez, Brenda (Noel) Bays, and Emily (Troy) Eichler; grandchildren Anjela (Carl) Dominguez, Vanessa Hernandez, Christina (Devon) Davis, Daelen Davis, Robert Hernandez II, Tania McPherson, Brad McPherson, Alex Billiris, Olivia Togliatti, and Teddy Togliatti; cousins, nieces, nephews, and other dear relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents and sister, Erasmo was preceded in death by his truly beloved wife of 51 years, Emilia Aspiras Palapo.
We are grateful to the caring individuals at Arbors at Mifflin and Southern Care Hospice for attending to Erasmo during his final few months.
To fulfill his lifelong wishes and as a final tribute to an extraordinary and memorable life, Erasmo’s remains will be launched into space and will reside permanently on the Moon. In his words: “To the Moon he goes, so that his loved ones can view him forever.” The Lunar Memorial Service is being scheduled, and service details will be announced at a later date.
An excerpt from a poem written by Erasmo T. Palapo:
I am no longer here.
You are still earthly, but I will be heavenly;
Please remember; though I'm gone,
My love will still be all; to you.
I will be beside you, guiding you rightfully.
When it rains, follow the rain drops falling;
For in its glitter, I will be shining.
