In our world, family is everything, and no one understood that better than Eugene Api. Born in the quiet town of Malainen Bago, Naic, Cavite, Philippines, Eugene's life was a journey of passion,
dedication, and unwavering commitment to those he loved.
From a young age, Eugene found his calling in the kitchen, inspired by his cousin Geraldo's culinary skills. This spark led him to become known far and wide as **"Chef Api"** a name that stayed with him throughout his life and became a symbol of his love for cooking and bringing people together.
He served honorably in the United States Navy, a path that took him across oceans and continents. From the Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, New Jersey, to the decks of the U.S.S. Canberra in Morocco, Eugene honed his craft, cooking for officers and dignitaries. But no matter where he was, his heart was always with his family.
During his service, he met and married Phyllis Elizabeth Sublette. Together, they built a life grounded in love and shared dreams, raising four children: Jesse, David, Sarah, and Abigail. Familywas the cornerstone of his existence, and he made sure his children knew the value of hard work, loyalty, and sticking together.
Earlier in his career, **Chef Api** spent many years as a chef at Ambassador College in Pasadena, California. His culinary expertise and warm personality left a lasting impression on students, faculty, and the general public, making him a beloved figure in the community.
He later brought his passion for cooking to Florida State University, serving as a chef for a sorority. There, he enriched the lives of college students with his exceptional dishes and genuine hospitality.
When his daughter Sarah moved to Saratoga, Wyoming, Eugene and Phyllis followed, drawn by the excitement of new beginnings and the pull of family ties. In Saratoga, he found a community that
welcomed him like one of their own. Joining Sarah at her restaurant, Stumpy's Eatery, **Chef Api** relished working side by side with his daughter, just like old times.
Sundays became a local tradition with his famous prime rib—a dish that brought folks from all over to share in something special.
Though, Jesse never moved to Saratoga, the rest of the family soon gathered there. His children David and Abigail also made Saratoga their home, much to **Chef Api's** delight.
Surrounded by his loved ones, he could often be found around town, a proud father and grandfather, pointing out his family with a glint in his eye. "That's my son, " he'd say, or "That's my daughter."
His pride was evident, and his family was his greatest joy.
Always eager to share his passion, **Chef Api** met many in the Saratoga community through the cooking classes he taught at the local community center. He wasn't just teaching recipes; he was sharing a piece of himself, passing on traditions, and fostering connections that would last a lifetime.
An outdoorsman at heart, he loved fishing at Saratoga Lake, timing his trips with the cycles of the moon—a practice that never failed him. Gardening was another one of his joys. He spent countless hours tending to the earth alongside his daughters, dreaming of one day teaching others in the Philippines about planting bananas and fruit trees.
After Phyllis passed away in 2013, Eugene found companionship once more with Divina Velasco Api, whom he married in March 2016. Together, they continued life's journey, sharing dreams andmaking new memories. They lived in Saratoga until 2024 before returning to the Philippines, coming full circle to where it all began.
On November 10, 2024, in San Pedro, Philippines, surrounded by his wife, Divina, her children, and the memories of a life well-lived, **Chef Api** died peacefully.
He will be laid to rest in San Pedro, Philippines near the place where his story began.He is survived by his devoted wife Divina. His children—Jessie Api, David Api, Sarah Api Williams, and Abigail Api Hartley—carry on his legacy, each one a testament to his life's work.
His cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the next generation of the family he so deeply loved. His stepchildren, who became an integral part of his world. And countless friends who, over the years, weren't just friends but became family in their own right.
While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life that taught us about the importance of family, hard work, and the simple joys that make it all worthwhile. In the meals shared, in the gardens tended, in the stories told, and in the hearts of those who loved
him, **Chef Api** lives on.
Rest easy, Chef. You've done your part, and you've done it well…….We'll take it from here.
