Master Chief Jesus Dafang Carpio

Master Chief Jesus Dafang Carpio, passed away November 25, 2024 at the age of 84 surrounded by his devoted wife, four loving children, loyal in-laws, cherished grandchildren, and caring sisters who flew in from Oxnard, CA. Born in Paoay, Ilocos Norte Philippines on November 17, 1940, Jesse truly knew that it was more blessed to give than to receive. His generosity knew no bounds, and he gave not only his humble fortune, but also his time. A well-respected leader in his community, he regularly volunteered to numerous charitable causes within the Filipino Community of Seattle, Veterans of the US Coast Guard, and Freemasonry.

In 1967, at the height of the Vietnam War, he enlisted as a steward at Sangley Point, Cavite, Philippines. After completing boot camp, he graduated with honors from Steward School in Alameda, CA which provided him first choice of available assignments. Being adventuresome and the desire to see the world, he chose the USCGC Staten Island (a US Coast Guard Wind-class icebreaker) homeported in Seattle, WA. From there, he elected to be transferred from one ship to another provided it was homeported in Seattle. One of these tours was aboard one of the most powerful icebreaker in the world, the USCGC Polar Star where he made three Deep Freeze trips to Antarctica.

Jesse's initial responsibility as steward aboard the ship was to upkeep the officer's staterooms; making-up bunks, serving the officers, and washing piles and piles of dishes. This went on for over five years as a non-rate (promotion was rare during those days). Then in the early 70s, the Coast Guard decided to merge the Steward and Commissary rating which opened better opportunities for advancement. As Jesse moved up the ranks, he supervised and managed various dining facilities while designated as Food Service Officer. His last assignment was Force Manager of the Subsistence Rating at Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington DC. His tenure with the US Coast Guard took him from the North Pole to the South Pole with stops in-between; including West Coast of the US, Peru, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia, to name a few.

In 1968, he married Lydia, the love of his life, and they had four children: Edward, Theresa, Aurora, and Cristina. Like most dads, he often advised his kids to "behave" and "study hard". He once wrote to his kids his desire to have them achieve their goals and strive to have a better life. He encouraged them to aspire to live the life of their dreams, always setting a high bar.

He retired as Master Chief from the service in 1993, and it wasn't until after his retirement from the US Coast Guard, that he pursued his life-long dream of attaining a college degree. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from Henry Cogswell College in 2004.

His retirement brought many happy memories of a man who enjoyed life to the fullest. As the photo images slide across the screen, we see a man surrounded by family all throughout his life. He dedicated his retired years volunteering for many organizations that were dear to him. He was a Board Member for the Filipino Community of Seattle, former Worshipful Master for West Gate Lodge 128 for the Free Masons, President of the Ilocano Association, President of the FAMRA (Filipino American Military Retirees Association) and President of PAMRA (Pilipino American International Retirees Association). He earned 1st place trophies for Bowling at Sunset Bowling League (Seattle, WA). His passion for boating and fishing prompted him to acquire a 20' Bayliner; ideal size for an outing in the Puget Sound. The boat provided him with valuable emotional, physical and psychological benefits needed later on in life. His skills in archery would make Tolkien's Legolas blush. He played chess with his studiousness and patience enabling him to excel at the activity. Later in life he took up golf and threw himself into it in the same passionate and joyful way that he did for everything else. In addition to volunteering and pursuing hobbies that interested him, such as riding his motorcycle and cleaning his collection of guns and rifles. He also enjoyed taking on activities such as cooking and baking bread and apple crisp which brought great joy to his family; he especially relished summer gatherings where he prepared lasagna and Ilocano dishes such as pinakbet and beef kilawen.

He was preceeded to heaven by his father Constancio, mother Casimira, sister Estella, and great grandson Ezra Jacob. He is survived by his wife and mother of his children Lydia, Edward of Everett, WA husband of Janice, Theresa of Everett, WA, Aurora Nugent of Thousand Oaks, CA, wife of Brian, and Cristina of Mukilteo, WA, partner of Dan; and the next generation Carpios namely; Matthew, Leslie, Jennae, Jem, Justin, Elena, Jessica, and Annalea (by chronologic age).