The Lord called Diosdado Colada Sabal home on October 4, 2018. His devoted wife of 55 years was by his side and he was surrounded by his children. Family and friends knew him by his nickname "Ding".

Ding was born on December 8, 1937 to the late Clemente and Constancia Sabal in Cavite City, Philippines. He was the fourth of eight children. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Natividad, Zenaida, Reynaldo, and Bienvenido.

He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1959. During his career, he served in various capacities. Early in his Naval career, he was stationed at the United States Naval Academy. He was a member of Seabees Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 62 and served aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) and USS Hepburn (FF-1055). He also served in the Vietnam War. Ding received numerous medals and commendations, most notably the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was a M-16 rifle marksman. Ding retired from the US Navy in 1979 as a Chief Petty Officer. Shortly after his retirement from the US Navy, he pursued a second career with the US Postal Service. He retired from the Postal Service after 20 years of service.

Ding is best known for his devotion to God and to his family. Upon his second retirement, he devoted his time volunteering for the church. He was a parishioner of St. Columba Catholic Church. Ding graduated from the Education Parish Service (EPS) certification program at Trinity Washington University so he could live out his baptismal commitment to evangelization. He and his wife were involved in various church ministries. He immersed himself in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program at St. Columba and also assisted with baptism classes. Ding served as a Eucharistic minister. He was a former member of the Fil-Ministry and the Spirit of the Living God Charismatic Group. Ding was gifted with a beautiful voice which he shared with others as he sung solo or with groups for various church events.

Ding was a family man. Aside from the Church, he dedicated his life to his family. He was a devoted, loving, and caring husband and father. Growing up in a large family taught him the value of hard work and sacrifice. He applied these principles as he raised his own children. He worked long hours and on night shift yet he still found the time to volunteer at his childrens' school and field trips. Ding always wanted to make things easier for his wife and he did so by taking on the bulk of the household tasks such as grocery shopping, cleaning, and errands. He also loved to cook. Cooking for his family was one of the many ways he showed his love for them. Ding brought his family together through mealtime. Many who knew him knew that they were welcome into his home and there was always an abundance of food for them. Many remember how he cooked huge meals because he never wanted the food to run out. Ding was not a man who desired material wealth. When his family would ask him what he wanted for his birthday he would tell them that being with his family was all he wanted. His family was all the wealth he needed.

Ding was a humble and selfless man who put others before himself. He was always available to lend a helping hand or listen to others in need and give advice. Ding had such a big heart and empathy for mankind. He was quiet and reserved at times, but his smile spoke volumes, it was huge and genuine. Ding had a soft spot for the helpless and less fortunate. He especially loved animals and cared dearly for the family dogs.

Aside from cooking for his family, Ding loved music. He loved to listen to music, sing karaoke, and play the guitar. He was an avid baseball fan and rooted for the Orioles. His favorite football team was the Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed a good game of tong-its, a rummy-like card game. Ding loved to travel and enjoyed cruising with his family.

Ding is survived by his wife Flordeliza; his children Diane (son-in-law Ron), Diosdado Jr., and Jennifer; brother Eliseo; and twin sisters Rosalinda and Rosalina.

Relatives and friends are invited to Mr. Sabal's Life Celebration at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, P.A., 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD on Saturday, November 10, 2018 and Sunday, November 11, 2018 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be offered on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. Please meet at the administration building by 2:15 p.m.