Marcelino Peralta Quinto

Mars was born to Tomas and Inocencia Quinto on 31 July 1954, in the City of Baguio, PH. The youngest of 11 siblings, He went to Dona Aurora Elementary School, then to the University of Baguio Science High School Class of 1971. He was enrolled as a 4th year Electrical Engineering Student at Saint Louis University (SLU), Baguio City before he enlisted in the US Navy in 1975.

After Basic Training, He completed all requisite instructions and became an Electrician’s Mate (EM), where he served while on active duty thru the rank of First Class Petty Officer (PO1). He converted to Gas Turbine Electrician (GSE1) with the advent of the newer class of ships. He served and deployed onboard the USS BRONSTEIN (FF-1037) and the USS LEFTWICH (DD-984) prior to being assigned as an instructor at Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, IL. While at Great Lakes, he pursued and completed his Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Occupational Education at Southern Illinois University graduating with honors and decided to join the Defense civilian force while staying in the Naval Reserves. He entered the Naval Ship Systems Engineering Station (NAVSSES) where he was deeply involved with training and documentation of shipboard systems and processes and logistics support. He retired from NAVSSES in 2015. Concurrently, he was advanced to Chief Petty Officer (CPO), Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO)and the Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) while in the Naval reserves and was designated as the Command Master Chief (CMC) of his reserve Unit. His Military awards include: The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, three awards of the Navy Good Conduct Medal, three awards of the National Defense Medal, The Navy Armed Forces Reserve Medal, three awards of The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Battle E award.

Mars understood what it was to want, as he grew up through difficult times. Parts of his education in high school and college were funded by the Christian Foundation because of the family’s difficult financial conditions. He also received full tuition grants for being a library assistant at SLU, where he met the love of his life, Rose. Whenever he could, he more than willingly reached out to those who didn’t have much. Mars also sent several family members in the Philippines to college. He often invited recruits at Great Lakes to spend their Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner with his family. He is also a man of faith and volunteered in all aspects of their Parish Churches.

Mars loved cooking and traveling. His “Happy Place” are the islands of Hawaii particularly KoOlina in Oahu where they vacationed at least, annually. They have taken several cruises and often took long drives to visit relatives and friends as far as Canada. Mars often raided and took over kitchens of friends and relatives to produce some wonderful culinary master pieces like his famed “Lechon Rice”.

Mars is survived by his Wife of 50 years, Rose-Emily (Ching) Baskinas Quinto, His Son Mark (Tina), grandsons Dylan and Oliver; His Daughter Michal (Anthony) and grandkids Bruno and Lucy.

A visitation will be held at Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary, located at 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902, on January 29, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

The funeral service is scheduled for January 30, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Corpus Christi Parish, 450 Corral Canyon Rd, Bonita, CA 91902.

The committal service will take place at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Rd, San Diego, California 92122, on February 2, 2026, from 10:15 am to 10:45 am.