Leopoldo L. Peralta Jr.

Leopoldo Lagoc Peralta, Jr. was born on April 4, 1937 in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. He was the son of Leopoldo (Poldo) Garduque Peralta, Sr. and Barbara (Barang) Cariaga Lagoc. He was raised and nicknamed as ‘Belong’ after his uncle Isabelo. He was the first born among five siblings, his first sister Espinela (Pining) Aquinde, his only brother Elpidio (Idiong), his second sister Filomena (Mena) Alamares, and youngest sister Leticia (Letty) Agbayani.

He spent his elementary school years at the Gabaldon Elementary School and attended the Pasuquin Provincial High School. Gifted with academic excellence, he was accepted under a scholarship program at the Philippine School of Arts and Trade in Manila. He did not pursue his education further but worked as a plumber instead.

In 1963, he joined the U.S. Navy at Sangley Point, Philippines. He was a member of Class: 6-64, graduated on September 7, 1963 at the U.S.N.T.C. San Diego, California with Distinction Honors. He was Top of his Class, number One!

The highlight of his career happened in 1964 when John Wayne visited his ship, shook his hand and shared a very memorable picture.

He sailed the maiden voyages of the USS Kearsarge, USS Enterprise, USS Ajax, and USS Constellation.

He served in the military as a Culinary Specialist and received various awards in recognition of his faithful, zealous, and obedient naval services.

After 20 years of serving the U.S. Navy, he retired on August 31, 1984.

‘Belong’ enjoyed cooking, and well known for his exotic dishes, roast beef and roast turkey.

He had a green thumb that grew fruits and vegetables.

He bet on ‘calliente’ races, but at home, he treated his dog like a baby.

He socialized with relatives and friends playing cards and mahjong.

The ‘spirits’ teased his taste buds and cigarettes always challenged the grip of his fingers.

At the end of the day, in the privacy of his room, he read his books, novels and magazines.

He married Rosalina (Helen) Benson Balaoro from Sorsogon, Sorsogon and was blessed with six children, Cristina Elena Stanek (Leni) (nee Abugan), Jeanelita Pasol (Jean), Romeo Ferdinand (Boy), Chona Penalba, Lorelei Rambaud (Lolay), and Myla Gould.

He was a father-in law to Michael Stanek, Joe Flor Pasol, Blesilda Garcia, J.R. Penalba, Eugene Rambaud and Evan Gould.

He was a grandfather to Maria Rexelle Abugan (Len-Len), Bryan Peralta, Mark Peralta, Jenna Peralta, Crystel Joy (CJ) Penalba, Brenzie Julius (BJ) Penalba, Adrian James (AJ) Penalba, Diana Josette (DJ) Penalba, Alex Rambaud, Giselle Rambaud, Zac Gould, and Ashley Rose Gould.

He was ‘Itang’ to his family, ‘Manong’ to his siblings, ‘Pol’ to his in-laws, ‘Tata Belong,’ ‘Manong Belong,’ ‘Kaka Belong,’ ‘Uncle Belong’ to friends and relatives and ‘Leo’ to his comrades.

Leopoldo said his ‘goodbye’ on Good Friday, April 6, 2012 at 3:35 a.m., in Chula Vista, California.