Romeo Gatmaitan Andaleon

December 1, 1937 – July 9, 2025

Romeo Gatmaitan Andaleon, of La Mesa, California, passed away on July 9, 2025, from complications related to congestive heart failure. He was 87.

Surrounded by family and friends near and far during his final months, weeks, days, hours, and minutes, Romeo was embraced with love, friendship, laughter, and an abundance of storytelling. He was fearless and ready, in full acceptance and at peace with the extraordinary life he had been blessed to live.

Born on December 1, 1937, in Magallanes, Cavite, Philippines, Romeo was the son of Candelaria Gatmaitan, a college-educated master teacher, and Adriano Andaleon, the town’s sole public health officer. Romeo was the fourth of five children. After his mother passed away when he was three years old, his father later had two more children. Romeo and his brothers endured the hardships of World War II, surviving the Japanese occupation of their hometown.

A gifted student and passionate debater, Romeo’s confidence and drive for excellence stood out early. He attended a small private high school in Magallanes before transferring to Cavite National High School, where he thrived among more than 3,000 students. His test scores placed him in the top academic section, where he excelled in academics, public speaking, and military training, eventually earning the rank of captain. As a senior, he was elected president of the Class of 1956, represented Cavite at the national Philippine Junior Red Cross conference, and was selected to deliver the commencement address at graduation—an honor typically reserved for the valedictorian. He shared the stage with the governor of Cavite and his father, Adriano.

In November 1957, Romeo joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 19, embarking on a distinguished 23-year career marked by honor, dedication, and leadership. He received promotions at every opportunity, rising to the highest enlisted rank of E-9, Master Chief Petty Officer, by the age of 39. He served on submarines—including the USS Medregal, Sterlet, Carbonero, and Tecumseh—for 17 years, followed by onshore assignments in food service and management.

During the Vietnam War, Romeo served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation, where he directed food and hospitality services for the entire ship. He was also appointed to the Navy’s Promotion Board for senior and master chiefs, where he played a pivotal role in advancing equal rights for qualified Filipinos to be promoted to those ranks. Later, as Director of the Navy’s Mess Management School at the Naval Training Center, he oversaw the education of over 3,000 students annually. For his exemplary service, he received the Navy Achievement Medal from the Vice Admiral and Chief of Naval Education and Training. His final post was aboard the USS Enterprise, where he managed food and hospitality services for the entire ship. Though he had hoped to complete 30 years of service, he retired in 1980 due to serious heart disease.

Romeo was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, cherishing his family above all else. He was married to his beloved wife, Teresita, for 60 years, and together they raised two daughters, Marie-Lei and Lisa. In retirement, he lovingly cared for each of his grandchildren—Christopher, Cameron, Madeleine, and Jade—before they started school, tending to them with patience, tenderness, and joy.

He found deep fulfillment in spending time with his grandchildren, gardening, home improvement projects, horse racing, boxing, traveling, and playing mahjong and poker with friends. A proud alumnus of Cavite High School and president of the Class of 1956, he remained an active leader in organizing reunions, other events, and keeping classmates connected.

Romeo served for many years as the Andaleon family patriarch, both in the United States and the Philippines, guiding generations with values rooted in family, education, integrity, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. He was also a master storyteller—his favorite pastime—and his warmth, humor, and wisdom left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughters, Marie-Lei and Lisa; his grandchildren, Christopher, Cameron, Madeleine, and Jade; his brother Generoso and sister Salud and their families; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family in the U.S. and the Philippines.

Though Romeo is no longer with us, his legacy of love, service, and strength lives on in our hearts forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Saint Martin of Tours, 7710 El Cajon Boulevard, La Mesa, California, 91942.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests monetary donations.