Romeo Jorda de Lara

Romeo Jorda de Lara, 86, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at his senior residence in Vista, CA. Romeo was born on March 6, 1933 in Compokpok, Tabango, Leyte, Philippines to Generoso Pastor de Lara and Lucia Juaquemor Jorda. Self-termed “The Undaunted Hopeful Traveler”, Romeo was a 20 years retired Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Navy, 20 years retired from the U.S. Civil Service, and world traveler in retirement throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, the Caribbean, Asia, Europe, …

In 1954, the Philippine National Secretary of Defense, Honorable Sotero Cabahug, endorsed Romeo’s acceptance to the U.S. Navy at Sangley Point, Cavite, Philippines. Romeo was later stationed in San Francisco, where he met and fell in love with Veronica Belarmino. They were married at the U.S. Naval Station, Treasure Island on January 2, 1957. Over the next 10 years, they were blessed with 7 children, born throughout the U.S. and the Philippines while Romeo served in the U.S. Navy. Veronica sadly passed on April 2, 1992.

Romeo was an avid golfer, and enjoyed ballroom dancing, singing karaoke and driving cross country. He always put family first, and was happiest telling his stories to the younger generations at big family gatherings and reunions. Romeo was actively engaged in the Jorda reunions back in Leyte, as well as in the de Lara reunions throughout the U.S. Continually passing on words from his late father and first wife, he stressed the importance of a good education and strong family ties, ingraining the messages to “study, study, study, and learn” and to “keep the family intact”.

After Veronica’s passing, Romeo was fortunate to re-connect with Dolorosita Villarino and enjoyed traveling the world throughout his retirement.

Romeo is survived by his second wife, Dolorosita Villarino de Lara, and six children from his first marriage. Sadly, Romeo’s eldest son, Joseph de Lara, recently passed on October 9, 2019. Romeo’s surviving children and families include:

Edwin de Lara (son), Anneli de Lara (daughter-in-law), Brent de Lara (grandson), Chelsea de Lara (granddaughter);

Randi de Lara (son), Maria Arlene de Lara (daughter-in-law), Nicole de Lara (granddaughter), Ashley de Lara (granddaughter);

Nancy de Lara (daughter), Nicholas Anderson (grandson), Mariah Anderson (great granddaughter), Sky Anderson (great grandson), Matthew Hudnall (grandson), Kiera Hudnall (great granddaughter), Benjamin Hudnall (grandson);

Romeo de Lara, Jr. (son), Janet de Lara (daughter-in-law), Arianna de Lara (granddaughter), Sophia de Lara (granddaughter);

Ronald de Lara (son), Lani de Lara (daughter-in-law), Rex de Lara (grandson), Zack de Lara (grandson), Mitch de Lara (grandson), Lauren de Lara (granddaughter);

John de Lara (son), Sheri de Lara (daughter-in-law), Jordan de Lara (grandson), Jacob de Lara (grandson), Justin de Lara (grandson);

Leslie Maliksi (granddaughter), RJ Maliksi (great grandson).