Memorial fund set for slain Pinoy in California
FAIRFIELD, California - A memorial fund has been established for Robby Navalta Poblete, a 23-year-old resident of this town identified by the Vallejo police as the victim of a homicide last month.
Vallejo police said Poblete was found dead from gunshot wounds around 5:30 p.m. September 21 at the Howard Johnson Inn along Admiral Callaghan Lane. Police did not have suspects in custody or motives for the shooting at press time.
The tragedy has moved Poblete's sister Julienne to create the memorial fund page dedicated for her brother.
“On September 21st, 2014, we unexpectedly lost our loved one, Robby, due to unfortunate circumstances. In hopes that those who loved him may come together to celebrate his life, family and friends of Robby Navalta Poblete are raising funds to help pay for services following his untimely passing,” fund organizers announced.
Response was swift and generous.
“We didn’t even know about the memorial fund until it was already up and people were donating," Pati Poblete, Poblete's mother, author and former San Francisco Chronicle news editor told Philippine News.
"Almost $5,000 was raised the first day it went up. It then went viral on Facebook among Robby’s friends and our friends and family."
The tragedy shocked family and friends of Robby Poblete, a 2009 graduate of Vallejo Senior High School, who "chose to move Fairfield to be close to his job at Genentech in Vacaville after he graduated from Anthem College,” said his mother.
Pati Poblete thanked sympathizers and released the following statement on behalf of the Navalta and Poblete clan:
“There are no words that can adequately express the devastation and heartache that we are feeling over the tragic loss of our son, grandson, brother, nephew and cousin, Robby Navalta Poblete. While we mourn the man he would have been, we celebrate the man he already was – kind, curious, adventurous and passionate about life. Our hearts are forever broken, but we are comforted by all the love and support we have received from family, friends and strangers – not just in the Bay Area, but the Philippines and beyond. Rather than focus on how Robby died, our family has chosen to honor the way he lived.”
The Pobletes acknowledged their appreciation to those who offered condolences.
“…For the notes of comfort and the love… for we have proven that even the worst acts of those who shot Robby are swallowed up by the endless good that has been poured out by the many to our family. Your continuous prayers and generosity has been a source of light for us even in these darkest times.”
According to a Vallejo Police Department news release, officers had tried to save Poblete. They also found another victim, Moon Kang, 72, lying on an exterior walkway suffering from head injury. Moon-Kang was taken to a local hospital where he was treated and released.
The report said the shooting suspects fled before Vallejo police officers arrived.
Poblete reportedly is 14th homicide victim this year in the city with a large Filipino population.
Friends of Robby and the Navalta and Poblete families are encouraged to visit the Robby Navalta Poblete Memorial Fund website. —Philippine News
Vallejo police said Poblete was found dead from gunshot wounds around 5:30 p.m. September 21 at the Howard Johnson Inn along Admiral Callaghan Lane. Police did not have suspects in custody or motives for the shooting at press time.
The tragedy has moved Poblete's sister Julienne to create the memorial fund page dedicated for her brother.
Robby Navalta Poblete with his mom, former San Francisco Chronicle news editor Pati Poblete. Philippine News photo
Response was swift and generous.
“We didn’t even know about the memorial fund until it was already up and people were donating," Pati Poblete, Poblete's mother, author and former San Francisco Chronicle news editor told Philippine News.
"Almost $5,000 was raised the first day it went up. It then went viral on Facebook among Robby’s friends and our friends and family."
The tragedy shocked family and friends of Robby Poblete, a 2009 graduate of Vallejo Senior High School, who "chose to move Fairfield to be close to his job at Genentech in Vacaville after he graduated from Anthem College,” said his mother.
Pati Poblete thanked sympathizers and released the following statement on behalf of the Navalta and Poblete clan:
“There are no words that can adequately express the devastation and heartache that we are feeling over the tragic loss of our son, grandson, brother, nephew and cousin, Robby Navalta Poblete. While we mourn the man he would have been, we celebrate the man he already was – kind, curious, adventurous and passionate about life. Our hearts are forever broken, but we are comforted by all the love and support we have received from family, friends and strangers – not just in the Bay Area, but the Philippines and beyond. Rather than focus on how Robby died, our family has chosen to honor the way he lived.”
The Pobletes acknowledged their appreciation to those who offered condolences.
“…For the notes of comfort and the love… for we have proven that even the worst acts of those who shot Robby are swallowed up by the endless good that has been poured out by the many to our family. Your continuous prayers and generosity has been a source of light for us even in these darkest times.”
According to a Vallejo Police Department news release, officers had tried to save Poblete. They also found another victim, Moon Kang, 72, lying on an exterior walkway suffering from head injury. Moon-Kang was taken to a local hospital where he was treated and released.
The report said the shooting suspects fled before Vallejo police officers arrived.
Poblete reportedly is 14th homicide victim this year in the city with a large Filipino population.
Friends of Robby and the Navalta and Poblete families are encouraged to visit the Robby Navalta Poblete Memorial Fund website. —Philippine News
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