Dominador M Yalung

Dominador (Sammy) Mendoza Yalung, born on October 28, 1932, in the village of Dinaluphan in the Bataan providence, Philippines, passed away surrounded by his family on August 15, 2024.

Sammy graduated from Jose Abad Santos High School in 1952, where he was president of his senior class. In 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and initially served as a cook. His dedication and willingness to help in Sick Bay during his off-hours led to a recommendation for training as a hospital corpsman. It was during his time at Hospital Corpsman School that he earned the nickname “Sammy” because of his service to “Uncle Sam.”

While traveling through the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas, Sammy met the love of his life, Mildred (Millie) Magras, in her hometown of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. They were married on October 30, 1955, and shared 68 beautiful years together. Sammy served a tour in Da Nang, Vietnam, and concluded a distinguished 20-year career with the Navy in 1973.

Following his military service, Sammy continued his professional career as a laboratory technician at the Veterans’ Administration Medical Center and Luke Air Force Base Hospital, serving 27 years as a dedicated civil servant.

Sammy and Millie enjoyed 68 incredible years of marriage raising five children with immense love and devotion. Their children, Michael (Sandra) Yalung, Patrick (Catherine) Yalung, Jayne (Don) Mathews, Mark (Tonja) Yalung, and Stephanie (Roger) Sweets, were the heart of their lives, bringing them great pride. Sammy and Millie were blessed with 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, who filled their days with boundless joy.

Sammy is predeceased by his beloved wife, Millie Yalung, and is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held later to honor Sammy’s memory. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be sent to one of the following military charities, Wounded Warrior Project or The Independence Fund.

Though Sammy may no longer be with us in body, he will forever be cherished and remembered by those whose lives he touched with his kindness, love, and laughter.