Rodelio “Den” “Rod” Ipac Aglibot of Lemoore, California, beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, lolo, ninong, and friend, passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 28, 2020, at the age of 52. Rodelio was born January 2, 1968, in Subic Bay, Philippines to Reginald and Celestina (Ipac) Aglibot and was raised in Hawaii and California where he later became a United States citizen. He was preceded in death by his younger brother Reginald Aglibot, Jr., and nephew Warren Briones.

Rodelio was an award-winning chef in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Italy. He developed dozens of restaurant concepts across the country and abroad and was a trailblazer for the rise of Filipino cuisine. He was creative, talented and passionate in the kitchen and often expressed his love for food and people through his cooking. His adventurous nature led him to many parts of the world to learn, teach and share his passion with others.

What Rodelio accomplished in the kitchen paled in comparison to what he accomplished outside of it. He had the gift of cultivating relationships that were immediate and long-lasting. He made first impressions full of positivity and joy. He never met a stranger and was considered family to so many. He made you feel like you were always the priority and to him, you were just that. Rodelio loved as big as the sky and gave of himself selflessly.

If you knew Rodelio, you also know that he loved and adored his family, especially his parents Reggie and Sally. He is also survived by sisters Ruby (Aglibot) Byers (Travis) of Villa Rica, Georgia; Rosie Marshall (John) of Lemoore, California; Lyn Nimenzo (Oye) and Arlene Briones of Cabanatuan City, Philippines; seven nieces and nephews, including Frances Parry (William) and Frank Fuerte (Nou) of Lemoore, California, and Caroline Sue Byers of Villa Rica, Georgia; thirteen great-nieces and nephews; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; several godchildren; and countless friends around the world whose lives he touched.

A private funeral service for immediate family will be held Tuesday, April 7th, at Phipps-Dale Memorial Chapel, with interment following in the Lemoore Cemetery. Celebrations of Rodelio’s life will be planned for a later date. There will be a virtual memorial service Saturday, April 11th, at 6:00 p.m. PDT.  Link on this page.

In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted to start a memorial scholarship fund in Rodelio’s honor.   Link for Donations on this page