Bayani Estoista Diokno

Bayani Estoista Diokno, 75, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 3, 2018, surrounded by family at his home in Jacksonville, Florida. Mr. Diokno was born in the Province of Batangas, Philippines, the oldest son of Leodegario B. and Loreta E. Diokno. He served the United States proudly for more than 28 years in the U.S. Navy. His active duty includes 5 years in the submarine force, a tour of duty during the Vietnam War, and various shore, air, and sea commands on both the west and east coasts. He helped lead the Hazardous Waste and Recycling Program at NAS Cecil Field after retiring from the Navy, and was later employed by the City of Jacksonville as a hazardous waste specialist and Fleet Management Division environmental officer.

Mr. Diokno was as committed to the Filipino-American community as he was to the nation. He acted as chairman and president of numerous Filipino-American civic groups in San Diego, CA., Pensacola, FL., Norfolk, VA., Washington D.C., the U.S. Territory of Guam, and Honolulu, HI. Notably, Mr. Diokno served as the first president of the Filipino Travelers of Florida, Valley of Jacksonville. In his capacity as a sailor and civic leader, Mr. Diokno received many awards. He was twice named Command Sailor of Year, first at NAS Ellyson Field Pensacola and again aboard the USS Albany CG 10 in Norfolk. He was distinguished with many U.S. Armed Forces medals of achievements and commendations, one with Combat V device for service in Vietnam. He received a key to the City of Norfolk, the Ancient Chamorro Award as an honorary citizen of Guam, City of Jacksonville employee leadership awards, and the Jacksonville Fil-Am Community Service Award.

Mr. Diokno has been a dedicated Mason for 37 years. He was elected Worshipful Master of Micronesia Lodge No. 173 in 1983. He served as a member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite Bodies and Aloha Shrine Club of Hawaii. He is a dual member of Pagkakaisa Lodge Number 282 in Las Pinas, Philippines, Maynilad Lodge Number 1521 in Washington D.C., and currently sitting Worshipful Master of Stafford Caldwell Lodge No. 342 in Jacksonville.

Mr. Diokno will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years Mary A. Diokno; his two sons Bayani S. Diokno Jr. and Phillippe S. Diokno; his two grandchildren Isabelle Diokno and Bayani "Bobby" Diokno III; his four brothers Lucilo, Benjamin, Felipe and Emilio; his four sisters Lydia, Leonor, Amada and Eduvijis; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will celebrate Mr. Diokno's life by gathering for a visitation on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida, 32205, with Monsignor Ignacio presiding. Burial with military honors will follow at 2 p.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery.

HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL PARK AND FUNERAL HOME, 7242 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32205 is serving the family.