Max Paracale Porras

1930 - 2017

Max Paracale Porras came from humble beginnings but worked hard to achieve the American dream of family, citizenship, friendship, employment, home ownership and prosperity. He passed away on March 29 surrounded by the presence and love of his family. Max was born and raised in Iloilo City, Philippines, the seventh of ten children to Emiliano and Petronila Porras. His father died in WW II when Max was a child and so his grandparents helped raise him.

In hopes of bettering his life, he joined the U. S. Army as a means to gain U. S. citizenship. After two years of service, including a deployment in Korea during the war, he joined the U. S. Navy. In 1955 he became a naturalized U. S. citizen while stationed in Japan.

He married his hometown sweetheart, Emma, in 1956 and a year later they welcomed the arrival of the first of their five children.

He came to the U. S. in 1958 and was stationed in various locations on the West coast including Mountain View (CA), San Diego, Long Beach and Bremerton WA. He served on aircraft carriers USS Kitty Hawk, Ticonderoga and Constellation, and was deployed several times to Vietnam. He earned a bronze star for his Vietnam service and several other commendations and decorations. After 21 years of service he retired from the Navy and made San Diego his permanent home.

After his Navy retirement he worked as a federal employee in aircraft logistics until retiring from the workforce in 1993.

Max enjoyed his life as a retired Navy man, often referenced as Chief or Senior Chief. He could be seen around town proudly wearing a Navy or veteran hat. He also enjoyed barbequing, building and tinkering around the house, gardening, watching boxing (especially Manny Pacquiao!), the San Diego Chargers and Padres, playing mahjong, and going to the casino. He was a founding member and officer of the Kahirup Club of San Diego, a Filipino social and community service organization, and enjoyed the fellowship of his compadres and comadres. He also served as an usher at St. Charles Parish for many years.

He cared deeply for his wife of 61 years, Emma (del Pilar); his daughter Jane (Ron) Steele; son John (Margie) Porras; daughter Cheryl (Tom) Umhoefer; son Max Jr (Mabel) Porras; daughter Michelle Porras; 14 grandchildren: Janelle, Brennen, Derrek, Ashley (Rafael), Danielle, Aaron, Max III (Analeigh), Morgan (Brandon), Mariah, Monica, Mason, Michael, Melia, Jon; and 6 great grandchildren: Jason, Melanie, Bella, Danica, Lenore, and Rowan, and many other relatives and friends. Most importantly, Max was so proud of his family and their accomplishments, and enjoyed spending time with them.

He is remembered by his love of serving others, his strong and gentle spirit, sense of humor, and his infectious laugh. The values he taught us and the love he showed us will forever be a part of us. We’ll miss you Dad.

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