Mariano A. Alwaque

Mariano Altares Alwaque was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Mariano will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Mariano was born on September 12, 1926 in Palauig, Philippines. He was the son of Francisco Alwaque and Ines Altares, and grew up in Zambales, Philippines. Mariano was raised with five siblings. He had three sisters; Victoria, Crispina and Felicidad, and two brothers; Gliserio and Gerardo. Mariano was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings and they shared many life experiences over the years.

A typical teenager, Mariano had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Montgomery High School in 1978. Mariano enjoyed his college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Mariano was able to manage the balancing act. He Attended Southwestern College from 1978 to 1980.

On August 16, 1962, Mariano exchanged wedding vows with Rosa America Delgado in Naguabo, Puerto Rico. Empathic and loyal, Mariano was committed to making his new family happy. Mariano was blessed with four children, two daughters, Ivette and Marianne, and two sons, Rolando and Harvey. Mariano worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Another blessing for Mariano was the gift of seven grandchildren.

Fortunately, Mariano enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Mariano worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was a Sailor in The United States Navy. He was in the Navy for Twenty six years. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of SD1, E-6. He received several awards recognizing him for his service, including: Victory Medal, WWII, China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, U.N. Service Medal, European Occupation Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Silver Star for Good Conduct Medal. His fellow sailors viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Mariano enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were Gardening, Playing cards, Mah-Jongg, spending time playing with his grandchildren, cooking, especially for the family. Mariano loved to woodwork and loved just to sit and enjoy being outdoors. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Mariano's greatest memorable accomplishment was being a devoted, loyal, loving husband, an extraordinary father and a loving, caring grandfather.

Mariano passed away due to natural causes on February 11, 2014 at Scripps Hospital in Chula Vista, California.. He is survived by his wife Rosa America Alwaque, his daughters Ivette Dolores and Marianne Lee, his sons Rolando Neal and Harvey, his daughter in-law Sonia, and his grandchildren Amita, Peter Mariano, Kai Alexander, Santiago Altares, Charlee America, Cassandra Alexis and Garrett Alexander.

Services include a Viewing Service, Saturday, February 15, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Glen Abbey Mortuary Chapel, Bonita, California, Recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Service, Sunday, February 16, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. at Glen Abbey Mortuary Chapel, Bonita, California, Military Honors by The United States Navy, Officiated by Reverend John Rinaldi. Mariano was laid to rest in Greenwood Memorial Park, San Diego, California.

Simply stated, Mariano was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Mariano leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Mariano Altares Alwaque.