Potenciano Abadam Miclat Jr.'s Obituary
Potenciano A. Miclat Jr. (better known as Johnny) was unexpectedly called home to God on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the age of 69 surrounded by his wife, children, and siblings by his side. Born on June 25, 1955 to Potenciano Sr. and his wife Simeona, he was the youngest son and 8th child of 11 siblings raised in their hometown of Iba, Zambales. As a child, he was raised around a family who valued hard work. He helped his father with their family’s sand and gravel business, which he often described as difficult at times but ultimately taught him the value of hard work.
His passion for cars developed at a young age when he learned to troubleshoot engines through his father's instruction. He carried this love for cars throughout his life alongside his brothers, cruising the streets while playing The BeeGees and beginning his life as an entrepreneur by building his first jeepney.
In 1973, he moved to Manila and met his wife, Lilian, and began delivering his wife’s catering to school and business establishments, which enabled them to build their family home in Novaliches. When an opportunity came to immigrate to America, he saw the opportunities for his children would be far greater abroad and made the decision to relocate the family to California.
Upon arriving in San Diego, CA, Johnny began his career in the aerospace industry at Roar Industries and General Dynamics. 7 years later, he and his wife decided to return to their roots and, over the next 30 years, successfully built an Asian market and multiple locally recognized Filipino restaurants.
During his retirement, he enjoyed traveling back to his hometown. It brought him much joy to restore his parents’ ancestral home. He loved reuniting with his former classmates for get-togethers to reminisce on their old times together. Everyone loved him for his gregarious personality.
He was always full of life and laughter and spoke kindly about everyone. When he wasn’t telling jokes, he loved to tell stories about his childhood in the Philippines, often laughing at himself in the process!
As an active member of Iba United Methodist Church, the importance of faith in God and the scriptures of the Bible was paramount to him and his family’s foundation since it was instilled in him at a young age.
Johnny had a sparkle in his eyes when he told stories and had a kind smile that caught your attention— he had the best laugh in the world that we’ll surely miss hearing. He is survived by his wife, Lilian Tan, and his three daughters: Jhoanna, April, and Jeannel.
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