Gregorio Anglo

Gregorio "Greg" A. Anglo of Maragondon, Cavite, Philippines and Spring Valley, California peacefully passed away at the age of 79 on October 24, 2022 with his children by his side. He was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in his lungs and it quickly spread in recent weeks. He is now forever at peace in Heaven with his beloved and loving wife and our Mom, Efrenia, who passed away 32 years ago. His story and legacy though will continue through his 3 children: Leilani (John) Gain of Allen, Texas, Evelyn (Reymund) Pacio of Chula Vista, California and Michael Anglo of Imperial Beach, California, and his 5 grandchildren: Mary, Emily, Reymund Jr., Cathy, Maya and Kainoa.

Our Dad was born on May 10, 1943 to Eulalia and Rufino Anglo and was the youngest of 5 children. He is survived by two of his siblings, Feliza and Socorro, and preceded in death by his two other siblings, Antonio and Cornelia. He was born and raised on a small rice farm in the Philippines and would regularly share his childhood stories about the hard work he and his family put forth every day to make a humble living by preparing, planting, and harvesting the rice in the fields. He excelled in academics throughout his childhood and graduated high school as their valedictorian.

Although he loved the Philippines, he often prayed to God for a better and more prosperous life for his parents, his siblings and his eventual family by moving to the United States to live the “American Dream”. His prayers were answered when an opportunity to enlist into the United States Navy was advertised in his local newspaper. For the next several months, he studied diligently to pass acceptance exams and ate more to put on weight as he was very underweight at the time. Because of his faith, hard work and determination, he was ultimately accepted to be an electrician for the US Navy, which allowed him the privilege to move and live in the United States, specifically in San Diego. During his time in the Navy, he was promoted in rank multiple times and traveled to many countries all around the world. Dad also received many awards for his services including the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Sea Service Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal (Fifth). After 20 years of honorable serving, he retired at the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Although he was retired from the Navy, he decided to continue working as an electrician at the Public Works Department at Naval Base San Diego. After working there for more than 18 years, he decided to officially retire from working to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Following his second retirement, he focused on spending time with his family, his church, and his interests such as traveling, bowling, gardening, cooking and singing. Dad was a devout Catholic that never missed Sunday mass and regularly and generously donated to his parish, St. John of the Cross, to help with the various needs of the church. He also went on multiple pilgrimages with his church such as to the Holy Lands in Jerusalem and Rome as well as to Canada for World Youth Day to see Pope John Paul II. Dad also went on amazing overseas trips to experience different cultures in places such as many countries in Europe, Thailand, Macau, Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Mexico. He also went home to the Philippines at least once a year to visit his numerous siblings, cousins, nephews, nieces and grandchildren to share the blessings he earned while living the American Dream. In addition to going places far away, one of his favorite places to travel nearby was the casino. He would go there often with family and friends to visit his favorite and lucky slot machines, enjoying the delicious brunch and seafood buffets, and collecting the “free” weekly giveaways such as appliances, electronics, etc. that he would give to his family here and in the Philippines. Dad was also an avid bowler for many years and bowled almost every day with his family and retired friends on the naval base. He also enjoyed gardening, especially the various fruit trees at his house that grew apples, pears, plums, oranges, grapes, calamansi, and dragon fruit. Dad was also an amazing cook, who never followed a recipe or measured anything, and loved people’s reactions when people tasted the dishes he prepared. He also loved music and was an amazing singer with Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” being his favorite song. And he certainly lived his life after that song in his own way.

Finally, we wanted to share what our Dad wrote down when we asked him what he wanted to be remembered for: “A good father and grandfather, and accomplished all my dreams with guidance from my Lord Jesus Christ since I was young and poor in the Philippines. Thanking Lord Jesus Christ for the guidance he’s given me throughout my life.”

Dad was joyful, generous, resilient and loved life to the fullest and we are thankful he is no longer in pain and is at peace with Mom in heaven. He never got a chance to visit Venice while alive, but we believe he is doing that now with Mom.

We will miss him dearly but the memories of him will always put a smile on our faces and keep him close in our hearts.