Carlito B. Trajano

Carlito Bansil Trajano would tell you that he was born in a fishing net on September 26, 1943 and raised among Pampanga's rivers in the Philippines with his beloved siblings. Carlito hails from a big family, including four sister and six brothers from the humble community. He pursued a career in industrial education via Philippine College of Arts and Trade. He taught at the Ramon Magsaysay School of Arts and Trades where he met his future wife Wenceslaura, a fellow educator.

However, he took a leap of faith, joining the United States Navy in 1967. After boot camp later that same year at the Naval Training Center, San Diego, he reported to an amphibious assault ship that serviced as the flagship for many amphibious ready groups. He found himself in the combat zone in the Gulf of Tokin. In his first years in the military he faced many challenges. He was able to prevail and worked hard to achieve his professional goals to be a machinery repairman. He embodied a great amount of strength to overcome barriers in his pathway. He later was promoted to Chief Petty Officer and became an instructor for the Naval Training Center where his military career began and lasted 26 years. All the while from across the seas, he continued to support his family in the Philippines in every way possible.

During the course of his career, he was able to petition his wife and first born child, Libertine, to immigrate and join him in San Diego. Soon his two sons, Christian and Jefferson, were born and completed his immediate family. Not forgetting his family in the Philippines, he petitioned his mother Rosa to also journey to the United States. Carlito planted this seed that branched out into a legacy that grew into many other Trajano and Arquillo family members creating roots for many more generations in the United States. This allowed his father, Estaban, and his brothers Noel “Jack”, Joseph, Tomas, Ernie, and Estaban Jr. “Bante”, as well as his mother in-law Salvacion and siblings in law Vesta, and Josefino, to lay roots and build upon their own families to include their own children and grandchildren. He felt blessed that his sister Adorcacion “Doring” was also able to immigrate to the United States through her husband Herman. However, he continued to miss his sisters Norma, Carmen “Meng”, Rose, and his brother Ben whom remained in the Philippines, but his heart was always with them as well.

Again, family was extremely important to Carlito. He wanted stability for his wife and children and sacrificed by choosing West Pacific duty which would take him on many 9 month deployments so that his family would be stable in San Diego and not have to endure numerous relocations as many military families experience. In addition to being an utmost example of hard work and determination, although he was already a college graduate in the Philippines, Carlito valued the pursuit of education and was able to obtain a high school diploma, bachelor and two master degrees in the United States. He was proud of this endeavor which also inspired his children, nephews and nieces and their children to follow their own academic aspirations.

Carlito will always be remembered for his hard work both educationally and professionally. He enjoyed working and did so up until August of this year…all the while making new friends and colleagues and continuing to enjoy time with family. Many will never forget his humor that made his loved ones laugh and smile. His generosity, compassion, and gifts of knowledge will be forever embedded in those he touched. His spirit of love and caring will continue to live on through his family and friends in order to continue his legacy. We, as your loved ones, will honor you and celebrate you till the end of time.

Carlito Bansil Trajano retired and later lived the “quiet” life.

He peacefully passed away on December 5, 2014 in the arms of loved ones. Carlito Bansil Trajano is survived by Wenceslaura, wife of nearly 50 years, his sons Jefferson and Christian, and his daughter Libertine, his brothers and sisters and siblings in law, their children, and their children’s children all around the world. You will never be forgotten. We love you, always…