Greg Vistro Mamaril

We remember Greg Vistro Mamaril as being a highly organized, practical, and realistic person that loves to make everyone laugh. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Greg was an individual who communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Greg knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his family.

His parents were Felix and Jovita Mamaril, and he grew up in Binmaley, Pangasinan. As a young boy, Greg was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was the eldest of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and ensured they help each other out. Greg has 11 siblings that consisted of three brothers; Johnny, Felix Jr., and Larry, and eight sisters; Ellen, Betty, Lydia, Susie, Epigenia, Lisa, Victoria, Liberty.

An objective and conscientious individual, Greg reveled in the security of his family. On January 4, 1978, Greg exchanged wedding vows with Necitas Corpuz at the Baguio Cathedral of Baguio City, Phillippines. One of Greg’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends. Greg was ever watchful of his two sons, Geoffrey and Gerald. He worried about them and was genuinely concerned about their development and well-being as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Greg would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also could enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were raised correctly.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Greg was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary and also made the work environment enjoyable by making sure everyone had a good laugh. He was a lively and fun worker to be around. Greg was a person who could make anyone laugh while at the same time providing a firm hand and making sure everyone did their job correctly. His primary occupation was a Master at Arms for the United States Navy. Upon 20 years of active duty service, Greg also spent another 20 years as a cashier for the Commissary in Imperial Beach. Greg was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done," and he loved every minute of his job.

Greg was a Navy veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow servicemen and women. He was on the USS Southerland (DD-743), USS Juneau (LPD-10), CFAY Det Yokohama, Japan, Commissary Store Guam, USS Proteus (AS-19), NSCS FT. McClellan, AL, NAVBRIG NAVSTA Long Beach, CA, and USS Dixon (AS-37). Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Petty Officer First Class. He received several awards including a Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Battle "E" Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (4th award), National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3rd award), and Southwest Asia Service Medal.

Greg approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were carpentry and building cabinets and different woodworks for the house, maintaining the cars, decorating the home during Christmas, and walking the dogs. Greg was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. His family was rounded out by his three dogs, Annie, Marco, and Gizmo. Greg was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Greg to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included basketball, and like all Filipinos, he was very good at shooting from the three-point line. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were watching the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics when Magic Johnson and Larry Bird played against each other. However, his current team is the Golden State Warriors. He also watched the San Diego Chargers because he knew that his son Gerald liked that team and he always reminded him of how bad they played even though he would still root for them when no one was paying attention.

Faith was fundamental to Greg. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason, he kept deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of St. Michaels Catholic Church and went to church every week. He would make sure you had something Holy in your house and car to always protect you from the harmful spirits.

Greg passed away on April 17, 2018, at UCSD Medical Center, Hillcrest. Greg fought a brave battle against congestive heart failure, diabetes, and kidney failure. He is survived by his wife, Necy, and his two children, Geoffrey and Gerald. Services were held at St. Michael's Church on 24 April 2018 and that same day he was laid to rest with his favorite dogs, Annie, Marco, and Gizmo, in Glen Abbey Memorial Park with full military honors.

All who knew him would agree that Greg was a pillar of the family. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, and he made everyone laugh. Greg Vistro Mamaril did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given a chance to become a better person and to have fun doing it.