Senator Kiyu’s 21-year-old son dies

Veteran senator Thomas “Kiyu” P. Villagomez’ 21-year-old son, Manuel Castro Villagomez, died yesterday in a California hospital.

Manny, the third child of Senator Villagomez and CIP program coordinator Vicky Villagomez, passed away shortly after he was admitted to a hospital in Hayward, California.

“He was admitted today, early this morning [in Hayward],” said Sen. Villagomez when reached yesterday afternoon.

The young Villagomez suffered from a heart problem.

The senator said his son had really wanted to join the military but could not do so due to his heart condition.

Manny left for California in January this year to pursue his college degree and join his two older siblings: Thomas II and Tasha in Hayward.

He was a sophomore at Chabot Community College.

Prior to that, Manny took up classes at Northern Marianas College.

Sen. Villagomez described his son “as open and very friendly.”

“He’s lots of friends,” he said.

The senator said one of his fondest memories of his second oldest son is the latter’s love of sports, particularly American football.

“He is a silver and black Oakland Raiders fan. He went to watch the home games of the Oakland Raiders on his birthday on Sept. 18,” said the senator.

“Silver and black. We always talked about it,” he said.

The senator, who is seeking re-election in the Nov. 5 general elections, said he and his wife will leave today for California “to bring my son back.”

He said he is not sure yet when they can return to Saipan.

“I don’t know. I’ve got to make sure that I’ll bring my son,” he said.

Meantime, Gov. Juan N. Babauta in a statement expressed his “deepest condolences” to the Villagomez family.

“I am very, very saddened…My deepest condolences to the family of Sen. Kiyu, a long time friend of mine, and his wife Vicky,” said the governor.

Sen. Villagomez said he appreciates the calls of several people expressing sympathy over his son’s death.

“Several people have been calling. I want them to know that I appreciate their calls,” he said.

Pacific Trading Co. manager Charles Villagomez Cepeda, a first cousin, said he would always remember Manny’s cheerfulness.

“He is an outgoing person. He has always his smile on. He is caring to his family and friends,” said Cepeda.

He said the entire Villagomez family grieves over the loss of the senator’s son.

Nightly rosary is held at the Villagomez residence in Finasisu.

Manny is survived by his parents, siblings Thomas II, Tasha, Frank, and Louise, and many loved ones.