Felix Olorunmo Abu

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Felix Olorunmo Abu, a beloved son, father, husband, friend, and community pillar. Felix passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends, on November 11, 2024, at the age of 77.

Felix was born on September 11, 1947, in Ososo, Nigeria, to Buoro Abu and Enimre Lametu Pelemo. He came from a large family as the fourth child of 17 siblings and was the firstborn of his mother.

He began his education at Anglican Primary School in Oke, Ososo, and attended high school at Benevolent High School in the Surulere neighborhood of Lagos. After high school, he enlisted in the Nigerian Army as part of the medical corps. His service came at a challenging time, as Nigeria was in the midst of its deadliest civil war, known as the Biafran War. Felix’s participation in the war left an indelible mark on him, including sustaining a gunshot wound during a rescue mission in Eastern Nigeria.

His brilliance as a medic during the war didn’t go unnoticed; the Army sent him to the United States to further his studies in 1973. He joined the United States Medical Corps as a Clinical Specialist and received advanced training in military health care.

Felix returned to Nigeria in 1975, where he met his future wife, Bibiana. They married in 1976 and, over the next three years, built their family. With a vision of providing a better life for his loved ones, he returned to the United States, establishing residency until his family joined him in 1995.

Once settled in the United States, Felix emphasized education as a pathway to a better future. Over the next 12 years, he earned an Associate's Degree from the City College of San Francisco, a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of San Francisco, and a Master of Science in Health Science Administration from University of California Northridge.

Felix's professional career was equally impressive, especially considering the rigorous educational requirements he simultaneously fulfilled. Like many immigrants, Felix worked various jobs to put himself through school while supporting his family and community back home. After graduating, he began his nursing career as a vocational nurse. He quickly rose through the ranks to become a Registered Nurse and ultimately earned an administrative position as a Supervisory Registered Nurse III with the California Department of Correctional Health Care System. His work took him between San Francisco and Los Angeles until 1994. His career highlights included roles at St. Mary’s Hospital and Medical Center (San Francisco), Cross Roads Hospital (Van Nuys), and the University of California-Davis Medical Center (Sacramento).

In 1994, Felix moved to Sacramento, where his family joined him a year later. It was in Sacramento that Felix truly established himself as a community pillar. He owned two businesses and was a key figure in several organizations, including serving as Vice President of the Sacramento Association of Nigerians (SAN) and being a prominent member of the Yoruba Heritage International (YHI).

Felix had many interests and hobbies. He was a fan of hi-life music, movies, and current events. However, none compared to his deep love for sports. He played soccer and ran track and field during his youth in Nigeria. He also served as a soccer referee. In the United States, he became an avid basketball and American football fan, often following the NBA and NFL.

He lived a life marked by devotion, integrity, and hard work. A man of profound faith, Felix was deeply involved in his community, where he touched countless lives through his generosity and kindness. Felix brought joy and inspiration to everyone around him. His laughter, wisdom, and kind-hearted spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Felix's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service that will continue to inspire our family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Felix Olorunmo Abu is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, one brother, five sisters, four step-brothers, and two step-sisters. He was preceded in death by his father, one sister, and two stepbrothers.

A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at East Lawn Elk Grove Mortuary Chapel on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 4:00 PM (PST). Following the service, there will be a reception at Eden Event Center located at 8434 Bradshaw Rd, Elk Grove at 6:00 PM (PST)

May his soul rest in perfect peace.