Obituary of Romualdo B. Pimentel

Pimentel, Romualdo B. "Romy" of Jackson Heights, Queens, on October 3, 2023, in his 88th year. Beloved husband of Conchita. Loving father of Margo Barbuti (Jim), Al Pimentel (Dina), and Rick Pimentel (Serina). Fond grandfather of Emma, Isabella, Sam, Jake, Tristan, and Steven. Caring brother of Julieta, Aurora, and Gloria. Reposing Nolan Funeral Home, 5 Laurel Avenue, Northport Thursday, 4-8 PM. Funeral Mass Friday 11:30 AM Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, Centerport. Cremation private to follow. 

Romy had a long career as an engineer with both Philippine Airlines and American Airlines.  His love for airplanes started at an early age. Soon after graduating with a B.S in Aeronautical Engineering and obtaining his pilot's license, Romy (with the help of his mother, Julia) bought a Piper Cub single-engine plane with 3 other friends so they can practice flying and fulfill their flying requirements.  Romy was already co-piloting commercial airplanes when he decided to switch careers and work as an Aeronautical Engineer for Philippines Airlines.  He became more interested in studying and designing the control systems of a plane than flying one.  He worked for Philippines Airlines for 25 years.  Romy and his family immigrated to the U.S. in 1986 and he worked for American Airlines in JFK soon after.  He retired from American Airlines after 20 years.  In addition to flying, his passions were his wife, Conchita, and his three children. He met his wife, Conchita, in the early 60's through his sister, Juliet, who was best friends with Conchita's cousin, Cynthia. They were married in 1964 and shared three children, Margo, Al and Rick.  Flying and travel were a big part of their family life.  Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Hawaii and Mexico City were among Romy's favorite destinations.

As a child, Romy experienced first hand the challenges of World War II due to the Japanese invasion of the Philippines.  His father was the Governor of Ilocos Sur and was unfortunately assassinated toward the end of the Japanese Occupation.  Romy was 10 when he assumed the role of head of the family.  Romy chronicled this time of his life in a short narrative included in the book "Childhood Memories of a War-Torn Philippines" by Ely and F.T. Marquez.

Romy lived a long, faith-filled, joyful life.  Until the end, he found joy in the simple things: seeing his family especially his grandchildren, visiting his wife at the nursing home with her favorite food, going to mass at St. Joan of Arc, daily phone calls with his sisters, chatting with strangers while sitting on the community bench, discussing current events, saying corny jokes, shopping in Flushing, watching the Filipino Channel, eating adobo, drinking San Miguel beer.  The list is endless.  He lived a life of gratitude.  He was grateful every day that he woke up as he looked forward to the day ahead.  He will be dearly missed.