Felipe Ahumada

The World was made an infinitely more interesting place when Felipe Romeo Ahumada was born on December 29, 1929, in San Diego California to Hilario & Nestora Ahumada. One of eleven children, he was preceded by Hilario (Lalo), Richard "Widy", Carlos, Lola, Sonya, and Vicky in passing on, and is survived by Hortensia (Tencha), Virginia, George, and Mary (Nuce).

Felipe grew up fast meeting all the challenges of growing up in a large Family during the Great Depression. One of his accolades was earning 'The Marble Champion of San Diego' while in 5th grade. His title was handed over to his younger brother George, who won it the next year. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Army and achieved accreditation at The Infantry School and Military Justice course. Then a Universal Event occurred that would affect (& create) many generations to come: His path crossed with Lyla Lu Karen Nordling, from Hallock Minnesota. Ya Shurre, You Betcha.

They were married on September 4, 1954. Lyla joined Felipe in his first assignment to the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft Bragg, North Carolina. While living in nearby Fayetteville, sons Nick Phillip & Steven Frank were born. Upon assignment completion, Felipe was stationed in Okinawa where son Anthony Carl was born. His next location was a return to Fayetteville in 1964 where they bought a house, (which he lived in until his passing) and twins Karen Marie & Patrick Edward were born.

During this span of time, Felipe earned promotions to Private 1st Class, Corporal, Sargent, enroute to his classifications as Master Sargent and finally to the highest possible enlisted rank- Sargent Major. While his children were obtaining Good Attendance Records and Spelling Bee ribbons, Felipe had earned: Expert (Rifle M-16); Expert (SMG M3A1 Cal .45); Marksman (Pistol .45) Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award), Sharpshooter (Carbine); Master Parachutist Badge; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Felipe was again assigned for duty to Okinawa in 1969. During the decade of the 1960's, Felipe was deployed multiple times to Vietnam for durations of 6 months to 1 year in battleground locations. He was one of the first Green Berets to interact in Vietnam in an 'Advisory Capacity' with 1st Special Forces Group During his time there he was in the thick of the action, earning Vietnam Service Medal; Bronze Star Medal courage under fire & rescuing fellow soldiers at extreme personal risk; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm; and multiple Combat Infantry badges. These awards were added to hs Korean War Service Medal earned in his very first deployment. Fortunately, he was able to attend a 1st Special Forces Group reunion in 2019 at Las Vegas, their continually dwindling numbers, now decreased by one more.

His civilian life pastimes rival his military career in variety and longevity. Felipe was active in many sports as a youth and continued that trend when in the Service, participating in Armed Forces leagues of softball & basketball and taking up golf (which he infected his sons & grandsons with) In retirement, he continued his involvement with sports by becoming accredited as a referee & umpire for basketball, football and baseball, as well as starring in a Seniors Basketball League. Lyla enticed him to take up bowling. He also coached Little League sports for many years and was a valuable mentor to many young people. He was a lifelong fan of the San Diego Padres and Chargers (until they moved to L.A.) He even adopted the Minnesota Vikings, Lyla's team.

His middle name "Romeo" was so appropriate...as he was a True Lover of Life! He was an accomplished cook and handed down many cherished recipes to his children. In his retirement Felipe & Lyla traveled to many continents and countries, always returning to Fayetteville appreciating their Families and Friends. They both outlived the majority of their friends, visiting them at different times and in the various locations they occupied as those travelers neared their journey's end. Felipe passed away on November 10, 2022, only slightly more than 2 years since his beloved Soul/Life mate Lyla passed on September 17,2020.

They were so bound in Love & Life, that no one doubted the surviving spouse would cease living within a month after the first one had passed away. But Felipe did because...he was such a Warrior. He remained a devout Catholic throughout his entire life. He was committed to his Faith, his Family, and his Country.

He is survived by all his children: Nick (Lara), Steve, Anthony (Vickie), Karen, Patrick, and grandchildren Kate Vazzoler, Hart Ahumada, and Patton Ahumada along with great grandkids Goldie Ahumada, and Ennio Vazzoler. He will be missed and remembered.

Funeral Mass to be held Wednesday December 14, 11:00A.M. @ St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 2844 Village Drive Fayetteville N.C.