Florante Del Carmen, Jr. was born on November 24, 1947 in Cavite City, Philippines. He was one of six children born to Amalia Del Carmen and Florante Del Carmen. He graduated from Cavite National High School and San Sebastian College, where he graduated with a degree in banking, finance and management.
He entered the Navy in August 1966. Thereafter, he pursued a long and successful Naval career and served for a total length of 28 years and 6 months. Florante’s career included a number of sea duty stations which were homeported all over the world including: Subic Bay Philippines, Newport RI, Charleston South Carolina, Yokuska Japan and San Diego just to name a few. He was stationed aboard the following ships: USS Massey, USS Grand Canyon, USS White Plains, USS Jason, USS Coral Sea, USS Ranger, USS Berkeley, and USS Fox. At one point, Florante received a sea service ribbon for serving 6 years and 7 months of sea duty.
Additionally, Florante had shore duty stations including Kingsville TX and Gulfport MS. While he was in Gulfport MS, Florante was attached to the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133, aka the “Seabees.” During that time the Seabees deployed to Guam, Spain, and Puerto Rico. While he was attached to that unit he received the Sailor of the Month, Sailor of the Quarter, and Sailor of the Year awards. Afterwards, he also won the Atlantic Shore Sailor of the Year.
Throughout Florante’s career he had several ratings including: Building Petty Officer and Mess Management Specialist. Beginning as a duty cook and eventually supervising the Wardroom Mess, he would routinely be responsible for feeding anywhere from 25 officers to 3000 troops at any given time. Upon his retirement in 1995, he had achieved the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer and his accolades included numerous letters of appreciation, two Meritorious Unit Commendation Awards, and the National Defense ribbon among others.
Besides his long Naval career, Florante was a proud member of the Masonic Brotherhood. He had eventually achieved the position of 32nd degree and was an active member in the Philippines, Gulfport MS, and most recently in San Diego CA. He strongly believed in assisting his fellow brothers and the community at large.
Throughout his life, Florante was a devoted family man and enjoyed helping his family. He is survived by Flordeliza (wife), Christine and Ann (daughters), Corazon Maling (sister), and Romeo Del Carmen (brother).
A 1st Evening Visitation will take place at The Magnolia Room Sunday, October 16th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A 2nd Evening Visitation will take place at The Magnolia Room Monday, October 17th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will occur at Saint Michael Catholic Church from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 18th. A Committal service will follow at Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary beginning at 11:30 am.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.glenabbeysandiego.net for the Del Carmen family.
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