Briccio "Nonong" Dava, Jr.

Briccio T. Dava Jr.

Loving husband, father, and grandfather

Briccio “Nonong” T. Dava Jr., beloved husband of Victoria of Houston, TX, passed away on January 24, 2021, age 71, of cardiac arrest.

Nonong was born on August 2, 1949 in Tigbauan Iloilo, Philippines to Briccio Dava and Preciosa Tolosa. He was the second child and oldest son among eleven children. In 1953, the family moved to Manila to join their father who started working for the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Nonong attended Philippine Normal College for elementary school, Ateneo de Manila for high school, and earned his degree in Accounting from the University of the East. Shortly after graduating from college, he passed the board for Certified Public Accountancy (CPA), following the footsteps of his dad, Briccio, Sr.

He started his career in the banking industry in the Philippines. In 1986, he and Victoria migrated to the United States to seek better opportunities and they settled in Jersey City, NJ. He worked as a controller in New York City for many years, overseeing financial operations and heading property management for companies like Courtfield Properties, and Bijan Realty Inc. He was a master of the daily grind, employing a strong habit-driven routine and an exemplary work ethic that made him dependable in his profession, rarely taking any sick or vacation days.

In the early 90’s, he made it his mission to bring his children who were all left in the Philippines to the United States of America so that they too could have a promising future brimming with opportunities. It brought him great pride and joy when, after years of waiting, the petitions for immigration were granted one by one. All 4 of his children were able to come to the United States where they now live and reap the rewards of their father’s sacrifices and vision, with many possibilities for a good life open for posterity.

In 2001, Nonong and Vicky moved to Manalapan, NJ and became a part of the Couples for Christ community, which influenced their lives greatly, putting their marriage at their center, guided by the word of God. In 2005, he rode the housing boom. He and Vicky left NJ and moved to Houston, TX in pursuit of real estate opportunities. There, they put down roots and became active members of the Houston chapter of Couples for Christ. Wherever they went, they forged deep friendships with many people while still maintaining others that they formed along the way. As a couple, he and Vicky touched many lives, and they were well-loved in return.  

Nonong was a tall, towering man, slim and dapper, good-looking and exuded charm without trying. His presence was large and attracted attention, even though he was usually quiet and never consciously strived to command it.  He was a self-assured, and unmistakably proud and confident man. He was soft-spoken, but sharp and quick-witted. He was serious but humorous when the occasion called for it. He was a man of very few words, but they were always the right words - succinct sentences constructed with impeccable grammar. His heart was kind and generous, always ready and willing to help his family and friends when needed, whether by providing financial assistance, presenting available opportunities and helpful connections, or lending an ear and offering words of advice. His manner was gentle but firm. He would be the first to get into a fist-fight if it meant defending a friend or loved one.

Nonong was the ultimate sports spectator, supporting his teams of choice with unmatched passion, from the Blue Eagles basketball team of his alma mater during his high school years, and later graduating to US sports, religiously following NHL and NFL matches. He was an avid participant in horse-racing, a hustler at playing Mahjongg, and would often be seen throwing dice and placing bets at a craps table in a nearby casino. He also loved sitting down to enjoy a good book or watch movies. He ‘binge-watched’ shows before Netflix was a thing. He delighted in good food, eager to share new discoveries with anyone who would listen, but also just as eager to discover and be introduced to new delicacies himself. He was fun to cook for because when something pleased his palate, he expressed his enjoyment with much gusto, and endless praise!

His grandchildren were the apples of his eye. Their photos brought him so much joy that it would make him giddy with excitement. He cherished his time with them during visits, and his tough exterior would melt for every single one of them.

During his retirement in Houston he spent much of his time in quiet prayer and worship, spending quality time with his wife and their many friends. He kept busy by driving for a transportation network company, often offering his service to their friends and community members. Driving was one of his favorite activities, and this allowed him to do what he loves, and earn some extra income at the same time. In 2017, he suffered a major stroke that left him right side paralyzed. Aside from being able to recite the prayers of the rosary and a few choice words, he was left barely able to speak. For 3 and a half years, while lovingly cared for by Vicky, he fought “One Big Fight”!

He is survived by his wife Victoria, and their daughter Gabrielle (Michael), his children, Jay (Jinggay), Patricia (ex-husband Ditto), and Paolo from his first wife Milagros, his grandchildren Mikael (22), Dominique (21), Anton (14), Myles (12), Amelia (9), Sebastian (5), and Alianna (9 months), his stepchildren Stephen, Charlene, and Richard, and step grandchildren Arianne (23), Alexandra (18), Andrea (17), and Aidan (17).

He is also survived by his siblings Evelyn (Ruben) Umali, Roselyn Dava (Alan Stacey), Elfred (Aurora), Michael, Edwin (Elnora), Roland, Jocelyn Schindel(Jes Villa), Marlene (Marcelo) Mediana, Dennis (Laura), Douglas (Melba), half-siblings Suzette Tirol, Maridel Bustamante, and Brick Dava, his only remaining uncle Fr. Braulio Tolosa, and aunt Victoria de Armas, numerous nephews and nieces, and many life-long friends who all share fond memories and steadfast bonds.

Nonong is preceded in death by his beloved parents, and his firstborn son Anton.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private, socially distanced wake and a final farewell on February 7, 2021 at 3pm CST will be held.  The services will be live streamed and the family invites those whose lives have been touched by Nonong to attend virtually via the link below.

Thursday Livestream Event ID: CFfh, Password: RDBLEE

Friday Livestream Event ID: CFfh, Password: AGVUHN

Please join the service via livestream at the link below for Sunday's Service:

Event ID: CFfh

Password: IZFFTT

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. http://www.ssvpusa.org

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

One Big Fight

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