Francis Jacobo Gonong

Francis Jacobo Gonong, age 86, of Bonita, California passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, he was the sixth child of Juan Umayam Gonong and Anastacia Pascua Jacobo. After finishing high school, he attended the Philippine Maritime Institute and then the Philippine Nautical Institute. During college, he supported himself as a mail carrier in Pasay City and would see U.S. Navy sailors while he worked his route. Impressed by their uniforms, Francis decided to apply to the U.S. Navy at Sangley Point.

Francis was admitted into the Navy and sworn in on October 14, 1958 at the age of 21. During his 22-year active duty career, Francis served on the USS Taconic, USS Coral Sea, USS John F. Kennedy and USS Alamo, and his overseas tours took him throughout the Mediterranean and Asia regions. His base stations included Philadelphia, PA; Alameda, CA; Norfolk, VA; New London, CT and San Diego, CA, and his primary job assignment was Mess Specialist. He retired from active duty in 1980, but continued to work for the Navy as a civil servant until he retired from the work force in 1999. In addition to his military career, Francis had a few side gigs including real estate, insurance agent, plant grower and "project manager."

In October 1962, Francis met Elsa, a young Filipina nurse who just immigrated to the U.S. The two were married on January 16, 1965 in Philadelphia, PA. They have four children: John, Jojilyn, Francis Jude and Jenelle. After the untimely death of his sister and brother-in-law in 1987, Francis became the guardian of their children: Cynthia, Michael and Christine. Francis has eight grandsons, four granddaughters and one great-grandson.

Francis absolutely loved to travel. Being in the Navy brought him to many countries around the world, but he especially loved traveling throughout the U.S. with his family. With their motorhome, the family would drive cross-country, both west-east and north-south, as well as make frequent trips to Los Angeles and Las Vegas. He also loved to take cruises with Elsa to places like Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico and even through the Panama Canal. Taking pictures was also very important to Francis, ensuring that his family remembered all of the places they've been, the experiences they encountered and the people they love.

Among his fondest memories and proudest moments are ones from his childhood, playing basketball and riding his bike; the birth of his children and grandchildren and seeing them grow and succeed in life; buying his first home and receiving his college degree; and spending quality time with family and friends. He especially loved family reunions and celebrations, making lumpia and playing mahjong all night.

Being a good and loyal friend is what Francis felt made him successful in life. He was always willing to help others, cooking food for them, driving them to appointments, connecting people with one another for their mutual benefit. "Work hard, be friendly, behave and pray" was his advice as these were tenets he himself lived by.

Francis is survived by his wife of 59 incredible years, Elsa; his sons John and Jude (Gina); daughters Jojilyn (Mark) and Jenelle (Chris); nieces Cynthia (Ramon) and Christine (Erwin); nephew Michael; granddaughters Alysa (Justin), Emma, Olivia Quinn and Abigail; grandsons Matthew, Joshua, Jacob, Jaydon, Derek, Jack, Dominic and Philip; and great-grandson Aiden; as well as his brother Oscar, sister Nena and countless beloved relatives in the U.S., the Philippines, and Australia.