Paulino O. Gelera

Paul was born in the Philippines on April 29, 1932 to the proud parents of Francisco and Apolonia. Paul was the 2nd to the oldest of 6 brothers - Ben, Naldo, Pedro, Elvie and George and 3 sisters- Belen, Victoria and Jovita. In the Philippines he married the love of his life Ofelia in 1960 and the two celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 21, 2010. He has lived his adult life here in America, setting up residences in Anchorage, AK; Baltimore, MD; San Pedro, CA; Long Beach, CA and longest and last residence here in San Diego. He was "Daddy" to 2 daughters Susie and Gerlie (who preceded him in death 6 years ago). He was "Goompa" to his Precious Princess/Best Buddy/Granddaughter Madaline.

In Gerlie's Husband Marty he found the Son he never had. Paul earned an Associate Arts Degree from ECC in San Diego after retiring from 21 years of service in the US Coast Guard. He was most proud of his service to his country, serving in the following bases and air stations, such as Anchorage, Alameda, San Francisco, Terminal Island, San Pedro, Seattle, San Diego and the following Coast Guard Cutters- Pontchartrain, Sweetbrier, Minnetonka and Southwind. His tours of duty has brought him around the globe. He has earned the USCG Good Conduct Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, the National Defense Service Medal, Antarctica Service Medal, USCG Unit Commendation Ribbon and the USCG Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon. He loved gardening and taking family trips to Vegas. He was taken much too soon from us on February 26, 2011. He is survived by his wife Ofelia, daughter Susie, Son-in-law Marty, Granddaughter Madaline, his brothers and sisters, numerous nephews. nieces, relatives and friends. His rosary service will be on Fri., March 4th at 6pm at Glen Abbey, Bonita with final services on Sat., March 5th at St. Michael's Catholic Church at 1pm and final resting place at Glen Abbey, Bonita.