Emeterio Roberto Guerrero

Born August 7, 1944

Passed January 15, 2024 (79 years old)

Terry was born to Julian and Anna Guerrero on the island of Guam, in the capital village of Hagatna. He was born during the end of World War II. During the war, many families would shelter in the local church for safety and Terry was actually born at the church during one of these times. He grew up as a Chamorro island boy spending his childhood fishing, crabbing, and exploring the jungles & beaches. Climbing coconut trees for the fruit was one of his favorite activities. Terry grew up with seven sisters and one brother on the island.

In 1958, when Terry was 14, the Guerrero family relocated from the lush tropical island of Guam to the hot, arid desert of El Centro, California. Terry attended and graduated from El Centro High School in 1962. He would often wear his high school class ring decades after his graduation. After high school, Terry enlisted in the US Air Force and served 4 years. His boot camp and basic training were conducted in Texas, and he was later stationed back home on the island of Guam during the Vietnam conflict. While in the Air Force, he worked as a warehouse logistics member involved in shipping and receiving of materials. After his military service, Terry returned to San Diego, CA where the rest of the Guerrero family had since relocated.

Terry attended San Diego State University where he received a bachelor's degree in accounting, and later obtained his CPA credential. During college, he worked as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service. He then worked as a federal auditor for the Defense Contract Auditing Agency (DCAA) in which he was involved in financial & contractual audits of military defense projects, which often involved classified information. Some of his audits revealed fraud which led to criminal charges, arrests, and convictions of the fraudsters. Terry worked his way up as a supervisor. Later in his career he was offered higher promotions which would have required him to relocate to different parts of the country, but he always declined these promotions because he wanted to remain in San Diego to be close to his three boys. He retired from DCAA after working there over 25 years.

Terry married Sara Diaz de Leon in 1970. They met because she lived with her older sister which was next door to the Guerrero family residence in Paradise Valley, a community of San Diego. Terry and Sara had three boys, Roberto (Robert), Marcus Anthony (Mark), and Abraham James (A.J.). They bought their first house in Santee, CA, and later moved to Lakeside, CA. Terry later married Luz Maria in 2014 and they lived together in El Cajon, CA up until the time of his passing. They both enjoyed eating out and heading to the local casinos.

Terry loved coaching and volunteering for his boys' sports teams including baseball and soccer. He served as president of the Lakeside National Little League for 7 consecutive years, and received a nationally recognized "Volunteer of the Year" award for his contributions. He also spent many years as a baseball umpire. Terry loved ocean fishing on jetties near Mission Beach and Ocean Beach, and was known to grab his bucket and head to San Diego beaches for the grunion runs on a full moon. After retirement, Terry took up golfing which seemed to be a natural talent. His golf score was often in the mid-70's, and he had a couple of hole-in-ones which he was very proud of. His love for golf led him to work for two different golf courses, Steele Canyon and Singing Hills Golf Club. This past December 2023, Terry recently resigned from Signing Hills after working there 15 years. Terry was known to cook amazing island-style BBQ pork ribs, and grilled steaks marinated in soy sauce, which he always prepared on holidays and for family gatherings. His favorite places for family picnics were Poway Lake park or a beach setting. He was good at fixing things and building things. You would have a difficult time beating Terry at a game of horse-shoes, darts, or ping-pong. And he was always complimented on the dance floor for his smooth moves.

Terry died at home from long term complications of COPD and emphysema. Terry is survived by his wife Luz Maria, his three sons (Robert, Marcus, A.J.), two daughters-in-law (Andria & Lauralee), 10 grandkids (Amanda, Robert, Lacey, Kylei, Tanner, Jason, Eric, Laine, Averie, Travis), one great-grandchild (Mason), 8 siblings (Teddy, Richard, Carmen, Rosie, Cecilia, Martha, Barbara, & Julie), Luz Maria's children (Luz Maria, Pily, Marco Antonio) and her grandchildren (Alexa & Arantxa), numerous in-laws, countless nieces & nephews, and a large extended Chamorro family. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Julian & Anna Guerrero, and his three other brothers, Ben, Paul, & John, who died as young children in Guam.

It's impossible to capture Terry's whole life in a few short paragraphs. He will be remembered as a hardworking, easy-going, fun, and a well liked kind of guy with a good sense of humor. In the final 2 years of Terry's life, he received a new peace, faith, and relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that carried him through. He prayed daily and often said "I'm going to be OK because God said so". We're going to miss you, Terry... Dad, Grandpa, Husband, Brother, Friend.

The funeral service, viewing, & reception will be held on Friday, February 9th, 2024 from 5pm-9pm at the El Cajon Mortuary & Cremation Services located at 684 South Mollison Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020. Afterwards his remains will be cremated per Terry's wishes.

We love you, Ga'chong ("buddy").