Modesto C. Herrera

Modesto Cruz Herrera Sr. ended his battle with cancer on Monday, February 25th, 2013. He died peacefully, at age 76, in the grace of our Lord, and, surrounded by his family at his daughter’s (Lourdes Buenviaje’s) home in San Diego, California. Mody was born March 13, 1936 to Jose Herrera and Brigida (Cruz) Herrera in Pilar, Bataan, Philippines, the youngest of 8 children. He was an athlete scholar at University of the East, in Manila, where he graduated with BS Accounting degree, and later obtained his CPA professional certification.

Mody served as an accountant in PACD (Presidential Assistance and Community Development), where he met his beautiful bride, Aurora Ison, and were married in 1966 in Manila. He held various accounting & auditor positions at several government institutions in the Philippines. He then later on migrated to California in 2007, in his retirement, to be with his children and their families.

Mody was an all around great athlete. Sports was his passion. He enjoyed running, playing golf, swimming, volleyball, basketball, boxing, bowling, and working out. His natural skills for golf has bagged him numerous victory in tournaments including several hole-in-one trophies. He also travelled with, and joined the RP (Republic of the Philippines) basketball team as one of the mentors, proudly representing his country in various international leagues.

Mody lived a life of simplicity, compassion, generosity, and humility. He, including his siblings, was considered a true philanthropist, especially in his hometown in Bataan. His altruism & empathy for his fellowmen, lead him to be of assistance to anyone in need. Mody was very charismatic and personable – always making new friends wherever he goes. He also had a zest for adventure and a great sense of humor that will be terribly missed.

He was truly a fighter and had a heart of a champion - in his own words…’I am ready to join our Lord, but I refuse to go down without a fight!’ But most of all, he is a loving father, and will always be a ‘superlolo’ (hero) to his most precious ‘apos’ (grandchildren).

Mody is survived by his wife, Aurora; children, Hedda (Brigida), Jun (Modesto Jr.) & his wife Eyet (Ceres), Mallotte (Lourdes) & her husband Moppet (Felipe), Pia (Portia) & her husband Dax, Mike, Abby, Marc (Marcus) & his wife Marj, Maan (Marjorie) & her husband Derrick, and Che-che (Mary). Of all his life achievements, he is mostly proud of his grandchildren, Renzo, Ryan, Andre, Kara, Kobe, Russell, MJ, Max, Alyssa, Sabine, Alex, Sophia, Sela, Leila, Gavin, Celena, Sam, Skylar, Mia, Sebastian, and Isla. He was preceded in death by his parents and all of his brothers and sisters.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the members & staff of the Sharp Hospice Care & Samahan Clinic, and Linda Romana, his care giver. Their dedication and effort to provide quality care over the last months were a heartwarming blessing to the entire family. Most of all, Mody has been blessed with generous and loving daughter, Lourdes Buenviaje, and her family, who have shared their home, and sacrificed their time and resources, to care for and support Mody all throughout his battle, until his last breathe.

We thank God for the gift of his life and the blessing of the time we spent with him. His memory is imprinted, and will live on in our hearts forever.

A memorial service will be held, honoring & celebrating Mody’s life, on Saturday, March 9th 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Little Chapel of Roses, Glen Abbey Memorial Park, 3838 Bonita Rd., Bonita, CA 91902, with Reverend Father Bernard Ranoa, officiating the Liturgy of the Word, followed by burial. Following the burial, the family invites friends & relatives to join the reception at the Little Lodge, at Glen Abbey Memorial Park.

The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on Wednesday, March 6th, 2013, and from 5:00 to 9:00 pm on Friday, March 8th, 2013, at the Glen Abbey Memorial Park. Those wishing to sign the guest book may do so online at www.glenabbeysandiego.com.