Dr. Vicente Silva Luna

Dr. Vicente "Vic" Silva Luna, age 85, of Bechtelsville, formerly of Little Egg Harbor, NJ, passed away on November 10, 2021 at Lehigh Valley Health Network - Cedar Crest in Allentown. He was the loving husband to the late Margaret Anne "Peggy" (McKeever) Luna with whom they shared 55 years of marriage. Born in Mataasnakahoy (MAH-TAH-AHS-NA-KAHOY), Batangas, Philippines, he was a son of the late Mariano and Pacita (Silva) Luna. As a child, Vic and his father, mother and seven brothers were forced to seek protection from the bloody battles between American and Japanese forces in the Philippines during WWII. For three weeks, in order to shelter from harm, they lived in a cave on Taal (TAH-AHL) Island, home to the infamous Taal Volcano.

Vic graduated from Mataasnakahoy High School in Batangas, Philippines and earned his college degree from University of the Philippines (UP) and his Medical Degree from Far Eastern University (FEU), Manila, Philippines. Born with an adventurous spirit, Vic immigrated to the United States of America in 1964 where he sought medical training at St. Francis Hospital, Jersey City, NJ. During his residency, he met Peggy, a student nurse, who would become his best friend and the love of his life. They married in 1966. Vic and Peg were from two very different worlds but shared one very special love for each other. Together, they raised their family of three sons.

In 1971, Vic proudly became a United States citizen. Shortly thereafter he was invited to join the Obstetrics and Gynecological medical practice of Merrill A. Swiney, MD and Dr. Perry O. Hall, MD. Upon the later doctors retirements, Vic managed a solo medical practice with wife Peggy as his nurse and office manager in Jersey City, NJ for over 30 years until their retirement. Together, they delivered countless beautiful children into our world including their three sons. Vic was loved and respected by his many patients and fellow medical practitioners.  After retiring, Vic's adventurous spirit did not stop. Together, he and Peggy enjoyed countless adventures traveling around the United States and several countries worldwide including Peggy's ancestral Emerald Isle homeland of Ireland.

Vic's favorite hobby was playing the piano which he and his seven siblings learned from their father as a child. His piano playing was his signature whenever anyone visited his home. He also enjoyed exercising regularly in his community's gym or simply taking long walks around his neighborhood or nearby park. He will also be remembered by his uncanny ability to laugh so hard at a joke he was trying to tell that he never could share the punchline with others. He will also be remembered by his favorite Filipino colloquialism "Good ha!?"

In his later years, Vic courageously confronted several personal and medical challenges including the passing of his eldest son, Vincent D. Luna and grandson Sean Vincent Luna, Type 2 diabetes, heart and kidney disease, blood cancer and Covid-19. With each affliction, and with Peggy always at his side, they persevered through each one. His admirable ability to keep moving forward with whatever life threw at him earned him the nickname "Ironman" after the Marvel comics superhero from his first grandchild Luke Aedan.

In March, 2021, Vic and Peggy moved to Pennsylvania to be closer to family. On September,12, 2021, Vic faced his biggest life challenge when his beloved Peggy, his wife and best friend of 55 years passed away suddenly. Peggy's passing was a shock to all - but none more so than Vic. Suddenly without his best half, Vic chose to continue living life as best as he could by moving into the Village at Lifequest assisted living facility and joining others in the same season of life.

Over the past two months, Vic lived his life to the fullest, meeting new friends, participating in bus trips to local destinations and partaking in various social activities. During the Village's Oktoberfest celebration complete with a four piece German band, Vic proudly declared, "tonight I am German-Filipino!" Vic also enjoyed playing beautiful music for the staff and residents on the community's baby grand piano where he was known to draw a crowd to listen to him play. During this time he also enjoyed spending time with his son Tony, daughter-in-law Anne and his three grandchildren.

On November 10, Vic passed very peacefully with family by his side. He is now reunited and together forever with his beloved Peggy and all family and friends who journeyed before them.

Surviving are children, Michael (Sahag), and Tony (Anne), grandchildren, Luke Aedan, Olivia Rose, Margaret "Maggie" Grace Luna, Izabella Rose, and Logan John, brother Roberto Silva Luna (Fredesvinda); Dennis Luna and brother and sister-in-law Richard (Christine) McKeever. Vicente was predeceased by wife Peggy; son, Vincent David and infant grandson, Sean Vincent and brothers Benjamin (Violeta); Miguel (Caidad); Rafael (Helen); Pedro (Raquel); Adriano (Rosario) and Eusebio (Gloria) as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A funeral Mass for Vic and Peggy will be celebrated on Friday, November 26, 9:45 am at Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church,10 Franklin Place, North Arlington, NJ followed by inurnment at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington, NJ 07031.

Memorial Contributions can be made online by clicking here www.lifefunder.com/ethicalvaccine This special charitable campaign was launched by Vic and Peg's grandson Luke of whom they were most proud. The campaign benefits the John Paul 2 Medical Research Institute's Campaign for Cures. Donations can also be mailed to John Paul 2 Medical Research Institute, 2500 Crosspark Rd Suite W230, Coralville, IA 52241 (Please write Luke Luna campaign in check memo).

Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com.