Wilfrido Garcia de Jesus

Many things can be said about Wilfrido Garcia de Jesus, known to us as Dad, and to loved ones as Lolo, Uncle/Tio Willie, or Kuya. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathetic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. Dad was a mentor, a natural teacher capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He cherished a focus on harmony and peace.

Dad was born on October 12, 1931 at Plaridel, Bulacan, Philippines. His parents were Alejandro and Luisa de Jesus. Dad was raised in Plaridel, Bulacan and Manila, Philippines. When he was young, Dad's friends and family found that “straightforward,” “honest” and “hard-working” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, Dad demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.

Dad grew up with ten siblings. He had sisters Mercedes, Alicia, Felicidad, Teresa, Virginia, Raquel (Sister Marie Stella); and brothers Ramon, Sergio, Paterno, and Melanio. Dad was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with his family. He was even-tempered, perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family, despite growing up during World War II under the occupation of Imperial Japan. Dad carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him pleasurable and delightful to be around. Dad was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew.

As a young boy, Dad was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a novel thinker. Regardless of whether his peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Dad could easily relate to other kids. Dad's memorable achievements included learning how to run the family farm and graze carabao. However, to Dad, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his many friends.

Dad did well in college, as a result of his being intuitive and well organized. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of the East. Dad also worked as a pharmacy apprentice in his Uncle Pedro's pharmacy while attending college. The skill of being a good communicator helped Dad immensely during his college days. He was comfortable with abstract information and theories and tended to thrive on the subjects that forced him to think. No matter what class it was, Dad was always very perceptive and embraced the mental challenges that his college experience provided.

Always considered a good friend, Dad sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason, Dad always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Dad’s friends found him easy to know and get along with because of his talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in his dealings with others. Dad would always seek to learn what his friends enjoyed, and he would go out of his way to make sure that their needs were met. Dad was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, he sometimes felt ill at ease when he was the one on the receiving end. Throughout his life, he made many friends from active duty days in the U. S. Navy, church, and co-workers from his work in the U. S. Post Office.

On October 13, 1957, Dad married Pacita Dimanalata Guerra at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church of Pasay City, Republic of the Philippines. Compassionate and devoted, Dad worked hard to make his new family happy. He was always generous with his time and this meant that Pacita came first in Dad’s book. He was always caring and made certain that he considered Pacita’s feelings. By trusting his emotions, Dad did his best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Dad was truly a person of empathy.

Dad’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good father to his children. Dad shared these values with his three children, two sons, Roland and Raymund, and one daughter, Luisa. Dad was also blessed with eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, Christina, Gloria, David, Joseph, Oriana, Gabriel, Tara, Jacob, Louis, Apolo, and Winifred. Dad related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him, and he was completely and totally devoted to them.

Dad experienced success in his work life. His primary occupation was as a Petty Officer, then Chief Petty Officer, United States Navy for almost 23 years working in Personnel. He was employed for 20 more years by the United States Post Office. Dad always made the effort to understand what was needed at work and was well known by his colleagues as a team player. Dad took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Dad was one to take the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Dad continually sought to learn what his co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled him to help them develop their own potential.

Dad was a Navy Veteran. He was stationed at NTC San Diego, CA; USS ORISKANY (CVA-34); USS SHANGRI-LA (CVA-38); US Naval Communications Facility San Miguel, Republic of the Philippines; FIGHTER SQUADRON 211; Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5; Naval Air Station BARBER’S POINT, HI; NAVAL ORDNANCE TEST STATION, CHINA LAKE, CA; NAVAL WEAPONS CENTER, CHINA LAKE, CA; COMMANDER, US NAVAL FORCES PHILIPPINES, DETACHMENT HONG KONG; USS GURKE (DD-783); and FLEET ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE TRAINING CENTER PACIFIC, SAN DIEGO, CA. Dad saw action in the Vietnam War from 1969-1972. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Chief Personnelman, United States Navy. He received several awards including a Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V” for Valor, Good Conduct Medal with silver star (6 awards), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Republic of Vietnam Service Medal with bronze star (two awards), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, and Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross with Palm). His fellow sailors knew him as being very professional, resourceful and kind. Dad demonstrated personal initiative and valued these same traits in those with whom he served.

Dad took great pleasure in his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were gardening, traveling, going to the casino, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dad enjoyed sharing his passions with others and we can still remember picking tangerines, lemons, persimmons, plums, loquat, and guava from his backyard orchard, joining Dad at Agua Caliente to experience the excitement of seeing the thoroughbreds run, and cheering wildly as the Chargers come roaring back in the closing minutes of a game to win!

Dad derived much satisfaction from sports. Recreational sports included bowling, golf, doing early morning calisthenics and taking long walks outside around the neighborhood to keep in shape, an exercise routine that he carried over from his active duty days to retirement. Dad was also a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams' events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were the San Diego Chargers football and San Diego Padres baseball teams.

Dad’s faith was important to him. He was a member of Saint Charles Catholic Church for 17 years from 1975-1992, Corpus Christi Catholic Church from 1992-2007, and Mater Dei Catholic Church from 2007-2019. During that time, he was active in fund raising efforts for the parish hall and main building of Mater Dei Catholic Church. He was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others, and that was clearly demonstrated in his work with the Mater Dei parish community.

Dad enjoyed traveling, and because he was so well organized, he would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all the family vacations. His gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Dad were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included the Philippines, local cruises in the San Diego/Mexico area with Mom, Disneyland, San Francisco Bay Area, Washington, West Virginia, and Maryland.

Dad was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Two of Dad's favorites were Bosley and Dino, two lively beagles. His family was rounded out by pet goldfish, silver dollars, and angelfish. A special pet was Oscar the goldfish, which Dad got for his first grandchild Christina. Oscar lived well past 18 years old!

When Dad’s retirement finally came, Dad knew exactly what he wanted to do. His new life involved retiring in Chula Vista, CA to open "Lolo Daycare" for his grandchildren, Gabriel and Tara. In retirement, he found new pleasure in participating in his grandchildren’s pre-school activities, staying active in church, and unwinding at the casino with Pacita. Even in retirement, Dad continued to stay in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active at Mater Dei Catholic Church and looked forward to seeing the day of groundbreaking for the new main church building.

Dad passed away at home on April 13, 2019 with family at his bedside. He is survived by his children Roland (Miriam), Luisa (Carla), and Raymund (Juliet); his grandchildren Christina (Paul), Gloria, David (Judy), Joseph, Oriana, Gabriel, Tara, and Jacob; and his great-grandchildren Louis, Apolo, and Winifred. Viewing will be on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, from 5-9 PM, at Little Chapel of the Roses, Glen Abbey Memorial Park. Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday, 24 April 2019, 10 AM at Mater Dei Catholic Church, with burial to follow at 11:30 AM, Glen Abbey Memorial Park. Reception follows from 12-3 PM at the Little Lodge, Glen Abbey Memorial Park.

Throughout his life, Dad was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his time and wisdom, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Dad leaves behind him a legacy of a loving family, life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Dad.