Leon Guerrero Marmito Jr.

After a short fight with metastatic lung cancer and an extremely long battle with COPD, while surrounded by family and prayer, our beloved father passed away peacefully at Sharp Hospital Chula Vista on June 2, 2024, at the age of 86.

Dad was born in Sorsogon, Philippines on March 1, 1938. He was raised in San Juan, Metro Manila. Dad received his Associate Arts in Pre Medicine in from Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Manila and later enrolled in Pre Medicine at University of Santo Tomas. He spent many summers in between school in Sorsogon and Bohol and it was during one of these summers that he told his Stepfather that he wanted to join the United States Navy.

Dad honorably served 20 years in the United States Navy and retired in 1979. His fondest memories in the service were his 11 years as a Submariner. Following his active military service, Dad continued to serve as a federal employee for an additional 22 years at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.

His military experiences instilled a lifelong passion in the American Dream, government and politics, and he loved to exercise his knowledge on these topics with anyone who would listen. In his earlier years, Dad loved boating and taking his family on complex multifamily camping caravans along the west coast or as simple as weekend getaways to Mission Bay or San Diegos’s local mountains. Later in life Dad was content with tinkering at home and talking with his grandchildren.

Despite Dad’s stern personality he was still known for his generosity. From his early years in Chicago to his first months in San Diego and throughout the remainder of his life, dad would unselfishly open our home to his coworkers, friends and family in need. At times, while Dad was away at sea, Mom would receive phone calls from people she didn’t know saying dad offered them a place to stay. Dad forged lifelong relationships with many of whom would eventually become Godparents to his children. Dad’s generosity was also seen in simple acts like cooking pancakes on the back of the camper, to treating everyone out and spending more than what he won at the slot machines. Even until his last days alive, he insisted on filling up many visitors' cars with gas.

Dad and Mom (Zeny) successfully raised their family by exercising their mutual understanding of Family values and their strong Catholic faith. The latter of the two would continue to grow and become the cornerstone of their long and happy marriage.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years Zeny, son Michael James, daughter Marie Luz Burdell (Stephen), son Jeffrey Lee (Catherine) three grandsons Angelo Leon (15), Noah Kai (15) and Liam Keahi (10) and his two sisters Priscilla Yamsuan and Elnora Lenon (Lordito) and all their children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father Leon C Marmito Sr., Mother Luz Guerrero Marmito, Stepfather Zefereno Sta Ana, brothers Jose and Alfonso.

Visitations for Jun will be held Wednesday, June 26 and 27 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Rosary at 6 PM and Eulogy at & PM) at Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902.

A funeral mass will occur Friday, June 28, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Rose of Lima Church, 293 H St, Chula Vista, CA 91910. Immediately following Mass, Escort will be provided to Glenn Abby Memorial for graveside services.