Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Dr. Zito "Jet" Celis Alba passed away in the hospital near his home of Fort Washington, MD on July 26th, 2021 at the age of 89.

He was born in the Philippines, raised in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, to Alejo Teodosio Alba, Sr. and Victoria Alba, nee Celis. He was 1 of 13 children:  Nine brothers and four sisters.

During World War II, many were driven to the mountains.  As a teenager during this time, he spent time hunting, fishing, and farming with his siblings and cousins to survive. They became proficient in making hand-made tools and toys out of what nature provided.  He was often a step ahead when it came to some of the competitions with his brothers.

After his family survived the War, he attended Negros Oriental Provincial High School, then on to Manila Central University where he was president of the student body his senior year, and he was graduated cum laude.  He went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery.  He took the Philippine national dentistry board exam and placed 3rd in the country.

In 1959, he came to the United States as an Eastman Dental Scholar at the University of Rochester in New York.  In 1962, he earned his Masters of Science in Periodontics, while a student instructor at Georgetown University.  He took the Dental Boards for Maryland, and opened his dental practice.  He completed a second discipline in Endodontics.  

He met his wife Aurora, and they married in 1970 in Maryland.  They have two sons.

He was thought highly of and sought after by many of his dental patients through the years.  He had "the touch" as some would describe it as he was able to provide dental treatment with less pain through his techniques.  He maintained his sole practice in Temple Hills Maryland until the age of 87 in early 2020.

In addition to his dental practice, which he enjoyed, he loved to spend time with his family and his close friends.  He was a humble, reserved person and a family man.  He loved to fish and was an avid golfer.  He was an active member of the Pinoy Golfers Association, participating in various tournaments and has won many trophies.  If he weren't at the office, he was at the golf course.   As a true Marylander he loved to eat Maryland blue crabs with his family.  Going to the crab house was quite common.  When his children were young, the family made anticipated yearly trips to the beach.  In recent years he made yearly trips to the Philippines together with good friends to visit relatives, play the beautiful golf courses and join golf tournaments.  He also looked forward to the delicious native foods of home.  

He is survived by his loving wife, Aurora Alba; his sons Glenn Alba and Arthur Alba (daughter-in-law JoAhn Alba, granddaughter Amber Alba); and cousin, Virgilia Codimos. His surviving siblings are brothers Erundino Alba and Jose Alba, and sisters Columna Ruanto and Maria Valencia.

Thank you, Dad, for everything you have provided us.  You are now in comfort in Heaven.  We will miss you. We love you.

Relatives and friends are invited to Dr. Alba's Life Celebration at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745 on Friday, August 6 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, August 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745. Entombment is at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, Maryland 20735.


Zito C. Alba

Zito C. Alba

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