Romeo Yonson Flores

Romeo Yonson Flores was born on May 25, 1927 in the Philippines, and was raised in Pateros, Rizal. His parents were Simeon and Taciana Flores. He was one of seven children. He is survived by his wife, Kazuko, and their five children and spouses/partners, Mayumi & William Joseph; Romeo Flores Jr. & Diane Bolliger; Alice & Anthony Jeffreys; Lilian Flores; and Estellita & John Stacy Jr. He was a proud grandfather of Rose, Spencer, Nicholas, John III, Tia, Pierce, Caroline, Gary, and grand-puppies Nolan, Koa, and Leila. He was also proud of his grandson Kirk, who passed in 2006 while serving as a medic in the U.S. Army.

Romeo graduated from Mapua Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in the City of Manila, Philippines in 1953. His coursework and degree was recognized and accredited by the University of Southern California, in Los Angeles, CA on November 3, 1972. He became a Registered Architect in the State of California on April 29, 1980.

He was commissioned by the Air Force in 1955 as a civil servant with the 824th Civil Engineering Squadron in Okinawa, Japan. He worked as a professional architect specialist and Engineer-In-Charge at Kadena Air Force Base, where he met his wife Kazuko. They married in 1961 and raised their five children in Okinawa, Guam, and finally settled in San Diego, CA in 1979, just in time for their eldest child to attend S.D.S.U. After 35 years of service, Romeo retired from the Navy Public Works Center, San Diego, on November 1990.

Romeo was committed to traditional values such as hard work and discipline, and was meticulous and detail-oriented with every project he undertook. As an Architect by trade, he practiced his skills as a professional and in his personal life, and he valued education. It was important to him that he saw all five of his children receive college degrees and become successful, productive, and contributing members of society. He earned the love and respect of all who knew him, and the many life experiences, stories, and wisdom he often shared will be missed.

One of his proudest moments was when he received his Certificate of Naturalization on September 16, 1977 in Agana, Guam. He was devoted to his wife of 57 years, and the patriarch of the family. He was proud to be an American, took pride in voting at every election, and flew the flag every day as he was grateful for every opportunity that allowed him to live such a fulfilling life.

Romeo enjoyed the remainder of his retirement living comfortably in San Diego and Chula Vista, CA. He loved watching sports, especially baseball, football, and basketball. He also enjoyed carpentry, gardening, and going for walks. He cherished family gatherings watching his favorite teams, the Padres and the Chargers, for which he often took special orders to make someone's favorite authentic Filipino dish. Romeo was a great cook, a skill he often attributed to his mother.

Romeo passed away peacefully at the age of 91 surrounded by the love of his family. Services in memory of Romeo will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at Glen Abbey Little Chapel of the Roses, 3838 Bonita RD, Bonita, CA 91902. The viewing will be from 12PM-1:30PM, rosary service from 1:30PM-2PM, funeral service from 2PM-3PM, committal service at 3PM, and reception from 3:30PM-6PM.