Vicencio J. Abdulrahman

Celebrating the Life of Abdulrahman “Hermie” Vicencio

Abdulrahman “Hermie” Vicencio, lovingly known as “Papa” to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, at the age of 70, surrounded by his loved ones at Kaiser Permanente South Bay in Harbor City, California.

Born on November 4, 1954, in Manila, Philippines, Papa was the eldest of seven children. He spent his childhood running through the streets of Caloocan, joyfully playing Filipino games like patintero, dampa preso, and sipa—always full of laughter, energy, and adventure. From an early age, he naturally stepped into the role of caretaker, helping his parents and grandparents with chores and making sure his younger siblings were always fed and cared for. Even then, he was already living out the heart of who he would become: “Papa.”

After college, in 1977, Papa left behind everything familiar in the Philippines to start a new chapter in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was there he met the love of his life, Maria Elena Gonzaga Vicencio, affectionately known as his “Habibi.” Their beautiful journey as husband and wife began there. During this time, Papa embraced the Muslim faith and adopted the name Abdulrahman.

In August 1990, Hermie and Ellen, eager to give their children new opportunities, pursued yet another new beginning and moved to the United States. Life in America was unlike anything they had known before, and they faced many challenges adjusting to a different culture and way of life—a journey that eventually led them to become followers of Christ Jesus and raise their family in the Christian faith. In 1996, they settled in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, which would become Papa’s final hometown.

Papa’s warm, magnetic spirit opened countless doors throughout his career in sales and customer service, but his greatest passion was always cars. He was the go-to person for anyone who needed help—always ready to lend his time, share his knowledge, and jump in hands-on. His loud, contagious laugh, playful smile, and unforgettable stories lit up every room. His personality was as big as his heart, and both left a lasting mark on everyone he met.

In 2022, Papa retired and stepped into what he often called his greatest joy: being a full-time stay-at-home Grandpa. He spent his days caring for his grandchildren, dancing and singing with them, and filling their lives with so much love and laughter. It was a role he poured his whole heart into, and it brought him endless happiness.

Papa is survived by his beloved Habibi, Maria Elena Gonzaga Vicencio, and his children: Betty Meir D. Vicencio, Hervie Mae D. Vicencio, Bernardino Aaron D. Vicencio III, Vanessa Rose D. Vicencio, Bernardino Hermes Miguel Vicencio, Nouf Gonzaga Vicencio, Arlen Dino Vicencio, Timothy Hermes Vicencio, and his bonus daughter, Lara Maria Nnoli.

He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, who were truly the light of his life: Mykca Alexa Esmeralda, Micco Joshua Vicencio, Hyleina Ysubelle Ramos, Viel Vicencio, Vicxen Vicencio, Vinz Abuel, Verrin Rose Abuel, Veronica Haley Abuel, Bernardino Ethan Vicencio IV, Austin Nathan Vicencio, Timothy Hermes Vicencio Jr., Raqui Elena Vicencio, Greyson Noah Gatewood, Jamila Ana Vicencio, Jeremiah Theodore Baba, and Julien Bernard Vicencio.

Each of you has been woven into Papa’s story, purposefully and beautifully, and you remain forever a part of his amazing journey. We mourn in faith, holding onto the promise that we will be with Papa again one day. His earthly legacy of family, love, faith, humor, and unwavering strength will continue to live on through all those he loved and everyone blessed to have known him.

A celebration of Papa’s life will be held on Thursday, July 17th, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Living Bread Ministries, 25000 Normandie Ave, Harbor City, CA 90710.

2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV) “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

"To our loved ones who will be attending the service virtually, please visit the link below to join us:

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1MTc0MTg5NzE2NzUzMjAmb25lcm9vbS1hZG1pbiZjb3B5X2xpbms="