Emilio Cerezo

Emilio fought with the Philippine Army during WWII then enlisted in the United States Navy from the Philippines in 1946. Thus began his American adventure. His duty stations included five shipboard tours and shore duty assignments throughout the United States. He retired from the Navy after his final tour at Naval Air Station Moffett Field. He was particularly proud of being a Veteran of the U.S. Navy. In 1966 he moved his family and lead and encouraged the first wave of Filipinos to settle in Milpitas. He worked briefly with Ames Manufacturing in Milpitas before starting his second career as a civil servant at the Moffett Field commissary.

Upon his second retirement he became active at the Milpitas Senior Center playing guitar with the Milpitas Silver Strings ensemble. He was an active supporter of the Malasiqui Fil-American Association. As an immigrant and American Citizen, Emilio embraced and lived the American Dream to its fullest while never forgetting the richness of his cultural roots.

Emilio is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jesusa; six children, Gary (Grace); Carolyn (John); Bernice (Bruce); Gregory, Eunice, Amelia; his sisters, Samen and Oyang of Malasiqui, Pangasinan; eleven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Johnny and son Domingo.