Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Joselito Pita Vergara, better known as Jessie, age 72, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, October 11, 2020. His much deserved rest comes after battling heart and kidney failure.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Joselyn, better known as Arlene; his daughter Jennifer and her husband James; his daughter Jaclyn, her husband Joel, and their son Liam; and his daughter Jessica, her husband Gabriel, and their daughters Amorelle, Amaris, and Amera. He was predeceased by his sister, Jing, and also leaves behind his surviving siblings: Melba, Jimmy, Jerome, Joyce, and Mayeen; many nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family members and friends.

Jessie was born in Lucena City, Quezon Province, Philippines to Jose and Emerenciana Vergara. He came to the United States once he enlisted into the US Navy. In the mid-1970s, his assignment brought him to the DC area where he met Arlene through mutual friends. With the assistance of Arlene's Uncle Gus and Auntie Naty, Jessie was transferred to the White House mess staff. During his 26 year career in the Navy, Jessie was able to help his siblings move to the states and subsequently bring over their own families. Jessie and Arlene settled in Fort Washington, MD in 1981 and raised their family with the help of Arlene
's Mother, Lily.  After his discharge from the Navy, Jessie became a mail carrier for the US Postal Service and worked for another 18 years. Jessie was a fan of all sports, from boxing to football, car racing to cycling and UFC to bowling. At parties and gatherings you could count on him to hit the dance floor or grab a mic for soulful karaoke. He was also a man of faith, finding joy in serving in his church at St. Michael's on Bolling AFB and enjoying fellowship with the FCJC community. Jessie will be remembered as kind and generous, a hard worker, and a dedicated family man. He is dearly loved and is missed beyond measure.

Viewings will be at Kalas Funeral Home, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 on Sunday, October 18 from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm. The funeral mass will be at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7804 Livingston Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 on Monday, October 19 at 10:30 am.  Jessie will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. 

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the American Heart Association (www.heart.org) or the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org) in the name of Joselito Vergara.  Other expressions of sympathy may be sent to 12613 Lampton Lane, Fort Washington, MD 20744 or you may contact jenn.vergara@gmail.com.


Relatives and friends are invited to Joselito's Life Celebration on Sunday, October 18th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, October 19, 2020 at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, MD. 

Interment with US Navy Military Honors Interment at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 1 p.m. Please meet at the Administration Building with one's own transportation, a mask and photo ID at 12:15 p.m. 

Joselito Pita Vergara

Joselito Pita Vergara

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