Marcelle Mt Perry

In Loving Memory of Agripino “Ruben” Estanislao Nazareno
June 23, 1941 – July 22, 2025
Agripino “Ruben” Nazareno, Beloved Husband, Father, and Papa, passed away peacefully on July 22,
2025 at the age of 84. His loving wife Edna, daughter Claire (Jethro), son Reuben “Jun” (Christina), and
grandchildren Sean, Emma, Meilani, RJ, and JJ were at his side. He is now reunited with his parents
Gregorio and Clara, brother Dante, and best pup, Benji resting in Christ’s Love and Eternal Peace.
Agripino was affectionately known as “Ruben” or “Naz” by his family and close friends. He was born in
Naic, Cavite, Philippines on June 23, 1941. He spent his childhood and young adult years in the
Philippines. He often regaled his children and grandchildren with stories about growing up back home
including fun memories with his family and his friends, and meeting the love of his life, Edna.
Education was very important to him and always instilled the value of a good education to his children and
grandchildren. He had exceptional mathematical ability and dreamed of becoming a civil engineer during
his youth. However, he grew up with humble means and was unable to afford attending an engineering
school. With a strong desire to use his math skills and a passion for higher education, he graduated with
an accounting degree from Western Colleges in Naic, Cavite, Philippines.
Ruben and Edna married in the Philippines in 1970. He immigrated to the U.S. in the early 1970’s, shortly
after Edna left the Philippines. They both became U.S citizens to pursue the American dream of having
good jobs, owning their own home, and starting a family. They initially set roots near other family
members already living in Los Angeles, CA. They purchased a small home near Edna’s oldest sister in
the “Frogtown” area. At last, they had a home to start their family, thus Claire and Jun were born.
He took a California state exam for an entry level position and worked for the California Department of
Motor Vehicles in Los Angeles. He continued to gain experience and knowledge to successfully pass
state exams for higher positions within the State of California. He eventually received the promotion that
he was eagerly anticipating and moved his family to Sacramento. After multiple promotions and
department changes, he retired after 25+ years of service as an Accounting Manager in the Department
of Justice.
Ruben enjoyed his retirement. He loved to travel the world with Edna. They traveled within the U.S.
visiting cities within California, Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, and Texas. They especially enjoyed traveling with
friends whom they called their “barkada” touring Asian and European countries.
He loved being a grandfather. He was fondly known as Papa to his grandchildren. He was a very loving
and doting grandfather to Sean, Emma, Meilani, RJ, and JJ. He loved to spoil them with everything that
was on their birthday and Christmas wishlists. Although he loved to spoil them, he still expected them to
do their very best especially in school. He had very high expectations from his children and
grandchildren.
Ruben took pride in his community service involvement. He was very active in the Maharlika Lions Club
for several years. He participated and planned multiple volunteer service projects which benefitted the
Sacramento area and beyond. He held various leadership positions within the club including Treasurer,
2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, then eventually Club President in 1998-1999. He led the
Maharlika Lions to Top Club honors within the Sacramento 4C-5 District during his term as President. He
held Director roles during the years 2003-2004 and 2007-2008. He and Edna, as his Partner in Service,
participated in several projects including fundraising for and donating to non-profit organizations, vision
screening clinics, medical missions in the Philippines, food drives, Philippine National Day, Maharlika Leo
Youth Club, student speaker contests, volunteering for local running races such as My Sister’s House 5K
and California International Marathon. Ruben and Edna also opened up their home as a host family for
the Lions Foreign Exchange Student program and also for the visiting Philippines Choir. Ruben also
helped form the Cavite Association of Sacramento, known for their dancing, social, and community
affairs.
Above all else, Ruben was a faithful follower of Christ. He and Edna were devout Catholics and raised
their family in the Catholic faith. He was a devoted parishioner at St. Rose Parish in Sacramento during
Claire and Jun’s elementary school years, and then at Good Shepherd Parish in Elk Grove. He was
always grateful for his many blessings. After several years of worsening health conditions, the Lord
called him Home to rest on July 22, 2025.
He is survived by his wife Edna, children Claire (Jethro) and Jun (Christina), grandchildren Jesiah
(Jethro), Sean, Emma, Meilani, RJ, JJ, great-grandchild Aaliyah (Jesiah), his eldest sister Miming,
brothers Alfredo, Mandy, Jenny, and youngest sister Baby.
The family would like to thank his medical care team, especially his nephrologist and nurses at Kaiser
South Sacramento and Fresenius Dialysis Care who provided compassion and kindness during the final
months of his life.
Visitation and Rosary to be held on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 5:00pm
At St. Mary’s Funeral Center Chapel
6505 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento, CA
Mass to be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 10:00am
At St. Mary Catholic Church
1333 58th Street, Sacramento, CA
Committal at St. Mary’s Cemetery after mass on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

6700 21st Avenue, Sacramento, CA