Epifanio Tanchico Leano

Epifanio “Pepe” Tanchico Leano passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 12, 2022. Pepe was born on April 8, 1926 in Bancaan, Naic, Cavite, Philippines. He is survived by his loving wife of 78 years, Paciencia Leano; children Edgardo, Emelita, Ernie John, Erlito and Evelyn; daughters in-law Linda, Lynn, and Elaine; grandkids Jerry, Anthony, Veronica, Jeffrey, Kristina, Matthew, Trevor and Elyse; great grandkids Alyssa, Justin,Savannah and Ryan. Pepe’s second eldest son, Epifanio Jr.(Jesse) passed away October, 2021 and his daughter-in-law Julie passed away in 1998. Pepe was the second eldest of 8 children: Alejandra, Felicia, Tony, Sonia, Lope, Linda and Remegio. He served in World War II, Korean and Vietnam wars and enlisted in the United States Navy in May,1946, and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in August of 1970 after 24 years. At his retirement, he was the staff writer for CINPAC Fleet, under the command of Admiral John McCain, father of Senator John McCain.

Following his retirement, Pepe worked as secretary for the San Diego Branch 84 Fleet Reserve Association and produced the newsletter. He was the South Bay contact person to provide the honored tradition of the bell ceremony for the passing of shipmates. Many will remember him as he also provided assistance to retiring sailors with their transition into civilian life and to the survivors of sailors who passed away.

Pepe was a volunteer with the Registrar of Voters in the 1990’s assisting at various polling locations in Bonita. He was one of the founding members of the Naic Association of San Diego and held the position of Treasurer and Secretary. He helped create the organization’s scholarship initiative to benefit the kababayans in Naic. Through this scholarship program, hundreds of talented students were able to finish high school and pursue higher levels of education. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was active in serving as an usher at his church parish, Corpus Christi.

For his bravery and heroism, he proudly received the Congressional Medal of Honor as a Filipino Veteran of World War II. Our beloved “Pepe” will be greatly missed. He had a zest for life, always smiling, telling jokes and a loyal friend. Pepe always believed in giving back to his community and he did so by volunteering his time and effort to many organizations. He was proud of his service to the military but he was most proud of his family and the gatherings he would enjoy with them. Pepe had a green thumb and his passion for gardening, especially for succulents, was shown throughout his home and backyard, where he would spend endless hours caring and nurturing his lovely garden. We will never forget his culinary skills - any gathering would have his signature prime rib, steamboat roast, and side of pork, enough to feed an army! His first question to any family member or friend was, “Did you eat?” and he would always be ready to cook breakfast, lunch or dinner. His daughter, Evelyn, asked him several years ago what he would like to leave as his legacy and he responded, “always be true to yourself and enjoy life.”

Viewing will be held at Glen Abbey, Chapel of the Roses on Sunday, April 10 from 5-9 p.m. with a military bell ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Mass will be held at Corpus Christi on Monday, April 11 at 1:00 p.m. with graveside services immediately following at Glen Abbey Mortuary Park. A reception will be held at the Chula Vista Golf Course from 3:00 - 7:00 pm.

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