Franklin D. Cacayuran

Born in Agoo, La Union Philippines on December, 20th 1954, Franklin Dalao Cacayuran was the second born child to parents Menino "Max" and Sotera Cacayuran. Franklin's father "Max" and mother Sotera were hardworking, loving parents who enjoyed raising their seven children who were 3 boys: Alex, Franklin, and Menino "June" and 4 girls: Patty, Marlene, Lisa, and Mercy. Max and Sotera love all of their children and raised them in a disciplined way. It was from here that Franklin learned much of his punctuality.

Franklin enjoyed his childhood, playing with friends and his siblings. He loved to tease them------------------

In 1974, Franklin attended Congress College High School in Agoo, La Union. While attending this school, through a friend, he met a young lady named Elma. Elma was visiting from Visaya where she attends her schooling. They started dating and quickly fell in love.

After a few years, Franklin and Elma began to start their family. From 1980-1984 they had three daughters: Pamela, Graciel and Desiree. In 1985, in efforts to make a better life for his family, Franklin was petitioned to come to the United States through Franklin’s parents and his brother Alex who was in the U.S. Navy. After working in Alaska at a salmon cannery, in 1986 he returned to Agoo, La Union to marry his beautiful wife Elma. Franklin continued to work to save money and petition for his family to come to the United States. In 1987, Franklin and Elma were blessed with their first son, Franklin Jr. Soon after, Franklin became U.S. citizen and successfully was able to move his family to Tustin, California on June of 1992.

Franklin was a strong supporter of the U.S. Military. Franklin worked various jobs at a military base called The Marine Corps Air Station in Tustin and El Toro, California. When both locations closed in 1999, Franklin pursued a career as a Merchant Marine. After attending college in Virginia, he became certified and was hired by a promising organization. Franklin traveled all over the world for his job as a Merchant Marine. Franklin was fortunate enough to see many continents including Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. Between his journeys, he came home and loved to tell stories of all the places he saw and things that he did while traveling.

Soon after, Franklin’s children have all completed high school. He was very proud of all of his children especially his first daughter Pamela in joining the U.S. Navy and being the first to graduate from college with a master’s degree. Franklin became a grandfather on December 31, 2001 when Graciel had her first child Kiersten. Six years later, Graciel gave birth to her second daughter, Summer on July 20, 2007. Three months later in September, Franklin was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of white blood cells affecting the bone marrow. This news was devastating to Franklin and his family, but he quickly received the best medical care for cancer at the City of Hope in Duarte, California. Franklin went through chemo therapy and was a successful recipient of stem cell transplantation. Franklin recovered and his cancer was in remission. Franklin and his family were very blessed. In 2009, he and his family traveled to Oahu, Hawaii, and his hometown in the Philippines.

Franklin and Elma resided in San Diego, California near his brother June, his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed waking up in the morning and getting his coffee from Starbucks. He loved spending time with Elma and their friends playing a Filipino card game called “Tong-its” and going to the local casino in San Diego. He enjoyed lots of music, from country to classic rock. Some of his favorite bands are Journey, the Eagles, and a Filipino singer named Jovit Baldivino. Franklin was a great chef and enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends. He enjoyed going to the local Barnes and Noble with Elma where they looked at books and magazines and had a cup of Starbucks coffee.

In September of 2013, Franklin and his brother June went to visit their parents who are now elderly and in declining health. This was the last time he saw his parents and other family and friends in the Philippines. During visit he began to feel weak and started to lose weight. In December of 2013, he was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. He celebrated his 59th birthday with his family, relatives, and friends that he did not see for some time. Franklin’s birthday celebration was the largest gathering that the Cacayuran family has had in the last 10 years and was a very memorable celebration for Franklin in the final days of his life. During the end of December 2013 and January 2014 his wife Elma took care of Franklin at home and the hospital providing comfort and support during his final days. His family remained hopeful for a recovery or a miracle; sadly the cancer in his lungs was too far progressed and ended his life on January 19, 2014. He passed away surrounded by his family and prayers. The moment he took his last breath he opened his eyes and saw that he was surrounded by his loved ones. Franklin shed his last tear and passed on into eternity with the Lord at 9:09 am at Sharp Memorial Hospital of Chula Vista, Ca.

Arrangements under the direction of Glen Abbey Mortuary, Bonita, CA.