Ernesto Rey Layug

Ernesto Rey Layug passed away at 9:57pm on Monday, June 3rd, 2024 at Cone Health Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina, surrounded by his loving family. He was 77 years old. He was a dedicated husband, father, & grandfather. He was born at home in Manila, Philippines on October 18th, 1946, to the late Felicia and Francisco Layug,. Ernie dedicated his life to improving not only his quality of life, but also supported others in achieving their dreams and tapping into their biggest potential. He was kind and humble, gentle and generous, and most importantly, compassionate. When you hear Ernie’s name mentioned, it’s always followed with a genuine smile saying, “I love Ernie.”
After courting Evangeline (“Vangie”) for a few years, Ernie’s father suddenly passed away from a heart attack. True to his caring nature, he took on the role of man of the house and father figure to his siblings. This new responsibility interrupted the relationship of Ernie and Vangie for almost two months, leaving no communication between them. In Oct 1972, Vangie finished her shift and hopped on the city bus. The driver told her that her fare was already paid for by the gentleman in the back, pointing to Ernie. On October 21, 1972, in a small church with only two witnesses and the priest, they were joined in holy matrimony that endured 52 years and inspired couples with not only their dedication to one another, but also seeing them as one another’s best friend.
Ernie immigrated to the United States in October 1972 finding his first home and Filipino Community in Queens, NY. This Filipino community became the original Block Rosary, a family prayer group where the Santo Nino and Virgin Mary traveled from family to family on the first Saturday of every month, along with a nightly prayer until the next home. The Block Rosary lasted over 40 years, and Ernie proudly began a new generation of this faith filled family in North Carolina.
In 1979, Ernie and Vangie achieved the American dream by purchasing their home (his “castle”) in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY and raised two children. In May 2007, Ernie and Vangie moved to Greensboro, NC, where he worked as an engineer until his retirement in January 2016.
Ernesto never forgot his humble beginnings and blessings. He helped over 70 family members successfully immigrate to the United States, from the parents of his sister-in-law to the children of his niece. He would provide family members in the Philippines with resources to achieve educational and professional success, and many words of wisdom. He passionately participated with numerous organizations, such as ANCOP and Couples for Christ, with a selfless smile on his face. Whenever he entered the room, he brought peace, humor and humanity. He cared less about material and more about mankind. Ernie was loved & will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife (Vangie), 2 children (Elaine & Ernest), 3 grandchildren (CJ, Jasmine, & Ramiro), son-in-law (Raymond), siblings (Danilo, Francisco, and Inicita) and a host of loving nieces and nephews, and many brother and sister in-laws, who he treated more like blood family.