Florencio Lacanlale Parayno

Florencio Lacanlale Parayno was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Florencio will be remembered as a very exceptional person. Florencio was born on July 25, 1955 at University of Santo Tomas Hospital in Manila, Philippines. He was the son of Zoilo M. and Remegia L. Parayno. Florencio grew up in Manila, Philippines. Florencio was raised with three siblings. He had two sisters, Cecilia P. Thieman and Rosario P. Licaoco, and one brother, Reynaldo L. Parayno. Florencio was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings shared many life experiences over the years.

A typical teenager, Florencio had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Esteban Abada High school in 1978. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Florencio enjoyed his college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Florencio was able to manage the balancing act. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas in 1977.

On July 14, 1990 Florencio exchanged wedding vows with Lourdes Dimaala Laquindanum at Big Bear Lake, California. Empathic and loyal, Florencio was committed to making his new family happy. Florencio worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Florencio was blessed with two children, one son, Lorenz L. Parayno, and one daughter, Loraine L. Parayno.

Fortunately, Florencio enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Florencio worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was Logistics Specialist in The United States Navy. He was a Department of Defense employee for 22 years. Florencio always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He received numerous medals and awards recognizing his service: five Navy/MC Achievement Medals, six Good Conduct Medals, GW-Terrorism Expeditionary, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Kuwait Liberation (Kuwait), Kuwait Liberation (S. Arabia), Meritorious Unit Commendation, four Navy "E" Ribbons, Southwest Asia Service Medal, five Letters of Commendation and four Letters of Commendation Flag. His fellow sailors viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Florencio’s tour of duty included the following:

USS Cape Cod (DDG-43)………………….………..…1990-1994

SIMA……………………………………………........…1994-1997

USS Decatur (DDG-73)………………………….……..1997-2002

NAVMEDCEN San Diego / USNS Mercy (T-AH19)........2002-2005

Precom Detachment USS Green Bay (LHD-20)…........…2005-2007

USS Cleveland (LPD-7)……………………………..…2007-2009

NAVSPECWAR / Basic Training Command…….......…..2009-2013

Commanding Officer, G. C. Hennessey stated: "Chief Florencio Parayno remains a motivated and reliable sailor with valuable leadership skills that come to be strong assets for maintaining the supply management of two Naval Special Warfare commands. He has been a strong force for providing logistical support to over 450 staff members and 1200 students annually. His efforts support high-risk training evolutions, facilities and programs on site as well as assets in remote locations such as a Detachment in Kodiak, Alaska. Current Navy manpower resources provide that a relief is not available until March 2013. Chief Parayno remains an active member of this command and desires the opportunity to continue to contribute until he has had the ability to complete a proper turnover. Throughout all of his challenges, he has remained focused and attending work on a consistent basis. He is a strong source of strength and mentorship for many command Sailors both as Chief Petty Officer and as a Supply Department Leader. His work ethic while recovering from illness has been nothing short of remarkable. He has demonstrated the ability to persevere and proven his value to complete the remaining months of active duty service."

Florencio enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were playing guitar, singing, gardening, playing golf and bowling. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. Florencio’s faith was important to him. He was a member of the Catholic Church.

Florencio passed away on March 7, 2013 at San Diego, California. Florencio fought a brave battle against Adeno carcinoma of the gallbladder. He is survived by his wife, Lourdes L. Parayno, His son, Lorenz L. Parayno, His daughter, Loraine L. Parayno, his sister, Cecilia P. Theiman and his mother in-law, Felicidad D. Laquindanum. Services were held at 9:00 AM on March 19, 2013 at Saint Mary Catholic Church in National City California. Florencio was laid to rest in Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita California.

Simply stated, Florencio was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Florencio leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Florencio Lacanlale Parayno.