Tito L. Dizon

January 27, 1936 – October 18, 2011

Tito Lapid Dizon was born Luciano Lapid Dizon in Santa Rita, Pampanga, Philippines on January 27, 1936 to Sotero and Soledad Dizon. He grew up in Manila with his siblings Bienvenido, Arsenio, Honorio, Mariano, Rodrigo, Milagros, Alejandrino, and Carmelita.

In 1958, Tito enlisted in the US Navy as a Seaman Recruit. Two years later, on November 12, 1960 he married Maria Editha Zapanta Senseng, and after only 18 days of marriage, he shipped out to sea once more. In 1963, Maria joined Tito in Atsugi, Japan, where they lived for three years until, in 1966, they moved to Glenview, Illinois. From there they moved on to Gulfport, Mississippi in 1969. That was the year he became a U.S. citizen and changed his name from Luciano to Tito. Upon his return from the Vietnam war in 1970, Tito and Maria re-settled in Orlando, Florida. A few years later, in 1973, they moved to London, England where Tito served under Admiral Worth H. Bagley. Tito and Maria then moved to the Washington D.C. area, in 1974, where Tito continued to work under Admiral Bagley. It was there that their first son, Lester, was born. In 1975, Tito, Maria and Lester moved back to London for two years with Admiral David H. Bagley (brother to Admiral Worth Bagley). The family then moved to Naples, Italy, in 1977, where, a year later in 1978, their second son, Lee, was born. In 1979, the Dizon family moved to Norfolk, Virginia. They moved to their current house in San Diego, California in 1984. In 1988, after 30 years of service, Tito retired from the U.S. Navy as a Mess Management Specialist Senior Chief. He then went on to work for the R.J. Donovan correctional facility as a Master Baker until he retired in 1997 when his younger son, Lee, died from cancer.

Tito traveled the world over his 75 years, both for pleasure and as part of his career. During his adventures he visited England, France, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Vienna, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Italy, Iceland, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Israel, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Fiji, Mexico and Canada.

Tito was also an avid golfer. He started in Japan in 1963 and was an active player until he underwent surgery in 2011. Over the years, Tito participated in countless tournaments and amassed numerous trophies. In 1991, Tito finally hit his hole-in-one at the Mission Trails Golf Course. In addition to playing the links, Tito did his utmost to spread the love and appreciation for the sport by volunteering at both PGA and Junior PGA tournaments as well as providing golf clubs to any potential young golfers he met.

Tito was very passionate about his church and community. At St. Michael Catholic Church he was a Eucharistic minister and volunteered in any capacity necessary to help with church functions. He also volunteered, campaigned and advocated for a variety of local political and charitable causes, to improve the lives of those around him. These causes included the Filipino-American Victims of Hurricane Katrina, the Samahan Senior Center, and St. Vincent de Paul Village.

Tito also loved to cook. An interest that began with his career as a Naval mess management specialist, Tito further pursued the culinary arts at the Cordon Bleu in London when he was stationed there. A visit to his home would not be complete without tasting his cooking. Guests were typically treated to his special chicken curry or lasagna. The holidays were usually marked with large quantities of cookies and baked goods as well as his signature roast beef. Tito’s cooking exploits were not limited to his own kitchen. At parties, he could often be found in the host’s kitchen making sure that the food and drinks were taken care of.

In May of 2011, Tito was diagnosed with cancer of the stomach. While staging that disease, the doctors discovered he had a second primary cancer site in his liver. After weighing his options, Tito opted for surgery. On July 7th he checked into the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center for a partial hepatectomy (partial removal of the liver) and a total gastrectomy (removal of the stomach). While the surgery itself was successful, the following complications were too much for Tito. After 92 days of critical care, the Dizon family brought Tito back to San Diego so that he could spend his last days at home. Tito’s last week was filled with the love and laughter of visiting friends and family. On the afternoon of October 18th, Tito passed quietly in the very room he decorated with his numerous golf trophies and travel souvenirs. He is survived by his wife Edith and son Lester.

Arrangements under the direction of Glen Abbey Mortuary, Bonita, CA.