Adelmo “Sonny” Robles, 83, of Ponte Vedra, Florida, entered his eternal home on July 9, 2025.
Born on April 24, 1942 in Tiaong, Quezon, Philippines, Sonny was the son of Valentin Robles, Jr. and Evansueda Umali Robles. Sonny’s grandfather held the rank of general in the army, while his father and uncle fought as guerrilla resistance fighters during the Japanese occupation. Their roles in the conflict forced the family into hiding — and Sonny was born in the depths of the jungle, a powerful testament to the resilience of his family.
In 1963, Sonny married his sweetheart, Violeta “Violy” Agustin in Santa Rosa, Laguna Philippines with a Catholic church wedding in Lucena, Quezon. Sonny graduated with a degree in chemical engineering from Adamson University in Manila, Philippines. While in the Philippines, Sonny and Violy welcomed into the world their oldest son, Aaron “Ringo” and then began making plans to move their family abroad.
In hopes of building a better life and supporting their extended family, Sonny and Violy moved to the U.S. in 1966. They arrived in New York City and made their new home in the Bronx and then Queens. They later moved to Jersey City, where Sonny spent the majority of his engineering career at the nearby Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals in Rutherford, New Jersey. Their growing family was soon blessed with two daughters, Athena and Audrey, and later the youngest son, Alwin “Al,” whose arrival completed their beloved family of six.
Sonny was an accomplished and avid bowler, scoring several perfect games of 300. He was a member of the Filipino Bowling League at Roosevelt Lanes in Jersey City, NJ, as well as a participant in other bowling leagues in the 1970s-80s.
Known for his culinary skills, Sonny recreated traditional family dishes from his homeland and challenged himself with new recipes. Pancit, adobo, barbeque sticks, lumpia, and turon were favorites of his children and grandchildren, and he was known for always adding a seafood flair to holiday meals with lobster, crab, shrimp and scallops.
Along with cooking and bowling, his other interests included fishing, playing cards, ballroom dancing, telling jokes, and enjoying fine cars. Sonny, who was known as “Pop,” “Grandpa,” and “Lolo” had a playful heart, a cheerful sense of humor and a giving spirit. He was known for covering the Christmas tree in envelopes of cash for the family and giving out “magical” birthday cards. He bravely battled through years of health struggles, inspired by the hope of watching his ten grandchildren grow up.
Sonny is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Dr. Violeta “Violy” Agustin Robles; his children Aaron “Ringo” Robles, Sr. (Brenda), Athena Robles, Audrey Robles Strong, Alwin “Al” Robles (Crystal); and his ten grandchildren, Candace Robles (David Boothe), Jordan Eveland (Haley), Christian Robles (Callie), Raegan Ferro (Danny), Aaron Robles, Jr., Benjamin Strong, Brennan Robles, Lance Strong, George Lucky Ramon Dodge, and Alexis Jeter Robles. He is also survived by his sister, Finina “Peewee” Cucio; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews in the Philippines and the U.S. He was preceded in death by his parents, Valentin and Evansueda Robles; his sister, Virginia Robles; his brothers, Benildo Robles, Carmelito Robles, and Efren Robles; and his son-in-law G. Richard Dodge, Jr.
A celebration of Sonny’s life will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home, 4750 Palm Valley Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The American Cancer Society in memory of Sonny at Donate.cancer.org. Acknowledgements can be sent to 157 Spanish Creek Dr, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081.
The Robles family extends heartfelt thanks to the many medical professionals that assisted Sonny with his 15 year battle with cancer and his 10 years of dialysis treatment. Your dedication and compassion are greatly appreciated.
