Fame Judalena Academia's Obituary
Fame J Academia of Cape Coral, Florida and Glenmoore, Pennsylvania
Fame Judalena Academia, 93, passed away peacefully with his son, James at his side on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at Paoli Hospital, in Paoli PA.
Fame was born on April 29, 1928 in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan Valley, Philippines to parents Brigida Judalena and Francisco Academia (who both preceded him in death). Also preceding him in death are his 2 brothers Frank and Florencio and 3 sisters, Feliza, Flora, and Felicidad.
After seeing and experiencing the Japanese invasion of the Philippines firsthand as a child, Fame felt compelled to join the United States military. So, at the age of 17, Fame joined the U.S. Merchant Marines since no other service would allow a 17-year-old to join. He served in the Merchant Marines for 8 years on a sea-going tugboat and on the LSM463. He helped with efforts to bring ammunition and vital war cargo to allies and allied forces during World War II and the Korean War. Fame received a Purple Heart after protecting his ship from intruders and sustaining injuries to both of his Achilles tendons.
Following his Merchant Marines service, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in Manila in 1954. During his 20-year naval career, Fame traveled the entire world aboard 13 different vessels which included the USS Iowa BB-61 (his first battleship), the USS Northampton CLC-1 (Command Light Cruiser) in which he crossed the equator, several Aircraft Carriers (USS Ticonderoga CV-14 and USS Kittyhawk CV-63, both during the Vietnam War) and several destroyers including
the USS John Paul Jones DD-932 which departed Newport, RI on top secret orders where he stood on board during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Fame finished his distinguished Navy career serving for 8 years as a Personal Aide to the Chief of Naval Operations and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Thomas Moorer.
As a young sailor, Fame lived on Newport Naval Base in Newport, Rhode Island. He met his wife, Leonida Dumlao Academia of 60 years, who preceded him in death in Fall River, MA. They lived in Newport RI, Norfolk VA, Washington DC, and Ft Washington, MD. After retiring from the US Navy in 1974, Fame accepted a position at the U.S. Postal Service as a general mechanic at the Bulk Mail Center in Capital Heights, MD where he worked for over 20 years until his retirement. He was involved in the social club PAFAI and was an avid fisherman and crabber, spending countless days and nights on the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay enjoying his passion for the water and fishing. Fame would put in a full late shift at work, be home to make breakfast and lunches for his children, and then head to the Bay to fish and crab until he had to start work again.
After retiring from the Post Office, Fame and Leonida moved to Cape Coral, FL. He was involved in numerous organizations including the VFW, American Legion, SW Fl Military Museum, Honor Guard, Wreaths Across America, SW FL Tribute at Sea, NRA, and American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV).
Fame was a devout Catholic and a very active member of St Andrew Catholic Church where he served as Sacristan. Still an avid fisherman and gardener, Fame had many hobbies that kept him busy.
Fame will be posthumously honored and will receive the US Merchant Marines of WW2 Congressional Gold Medal and the Filipino Veterans of WW2 Congressional Gold Medal.
Fame was the loving father of Elaine (John) Schaller, Lynnette (David) Herbine, Gail (Dean) Bogarde and James (Lea) Academia. Beloved grandfather to Mark Jr (Ariane), Stephen, Kristen Comtois; David II, Derek (Stella), Daniele, Dana, Deven Herbine; Dean II, Scott, Ava Bogarde; and Ysabelle, Sophia Academia. Fame was also survived by many nephews and nieces.
A visitation will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Friday, January 14, 2022 at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 2628 Del Prado Blvd. S., Cape Coral, FL 33904. Burial to follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
The Family will be live streaming for those who are unable to attend, please click the link below:
Here is the link for the Mass of Fame J Academia: https://youtu.be/M-2l2IwnmtU
For those who can not join in person a live stream of both Fame's funeral mass at the following links.
Funeral mass- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-2l2IwnmtU&feature=youtu.be
Burial- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtQom3omnIg
What’s your fondest memory of Fame?
What’s a lesson you learned from Fame?
Share a story where Fame's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Fame you’ll never forget.
How did Fame make you smile?
