Jose Acuna Muncada

Jose “Nonong” A. Muncada, 83, was surrounded by his family when he  went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 12:46 AM.  

Nonong was born to Jaime G. Muncada and Adelaida A. Muncada on  June 19, 1939 in the Municipality of Laoang Northern Samar, Philippines. Nonong stayed true to his Filipino roots and work habits  throughout his lifetime and in places where he worked as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and as an immigrant here in  Houston, Texas, USA. 

As Nonong’s father was in farming, he graduated as a working student from Arellano University with a degree in Bachelor Science of Agriculture, Agronomy and Plant Breeding, with a Thesis entitled “A Study on the Effect of Ultraviolet Rays Upon Rice Seedling Tjeremas Variety (Oryza Sativa),” in 1965. There, he was a former President of Junior Plant Breeders Association and a member of the Agronomy Club, Judo Club, Student Council, and Economics Club. After college, he worked as an Agriculturist in the Bureau of Agricultural Extension (BAEX), Philippines. In the early 1980’s, after he finished a course in diesel mechanic, he joined his wife, a Nurse, in Saudi Arabia and worked in Mercedes Benz Car Dealership, and in early 2000’s, through the sponsorship of his one and only daughter,  he and his wife immigrated here in Houston, and went on to work at The Woodlands Resort, then at DeMontrond Car Dealership where he retired from work.. Nonong loved his jobs and received numerous corporate and client commendations; he received a plaque and cash award for returning a bag of gold bars in a sack left by a prospecting car buyer from his employer in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Aside from work, Nonong served as a selfless volunteer or as servant leader in the communities where he worked and lived; he founded the homeowner’s association of Oro Vista Subdivision. He’s a black belt in Kung Fu, Taekwondo, and Karate (KungKaDo); his “Kata” was a sight to behold.

 

Nonong was a devout Catholic and a Marian devotee who was raised in the St.  Michael Catholic Church/Parish, Laoang Northern Samar, Philippines. In the late 1990’s, he and his wife went to Jerusalem, Rome, and Lourdes, for a pilgrimage on numerous occasions - risked losing their jobs since they were OFWs working in a nonChristian country. At the time of his death, a hospice patient at home, with a little strength left, he got out of his hospital bed and attended the “Simbang Gabi,” Sunday Masses, and First Friday Praise and Worship and Healing Masses here in Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church  in his wheelchair with joyce. He’s a member of the Missionary Families of Christ.

 

Nonong was a kind, caring, generous, and loving man who never failed to make friends when he was touring with his family overseas. He is survived by his wife, Rosita (“Rose”) Balaton Muncada, son Joselito (“Bong”) Muncada,  daughter Rosielyn  (“Bamba”) Muncada, son and daughter-in-law Josefino (“Bimbo”) and Regina Muncada, and only one granddaughter Sheyn Allison Muncada, sister-in-law Rebecca Muncada, nephews and nieces, blood relatives, and members of the Missionary Families of Christ and MFC Houston Choir and Friends who will surely all miss his big smile and flying kisses.