Theodore V. Lesaca

Theodore Velge Lesaca is a native of Iba, Zambales. He was born the fourth of eight children to Jose and Editha Lesaca. He graduated from St. Louis high school in Baguio in 1964 and studied engineering at the University of the East in Manila . He entered the U.S. Navy at Naval Recruiting District Sangley Point, Republic of the Philippines in 1968.

He completed recruit basic training and initial in-rate training at Recruit Training Center / Naval Training Center San Diego, California in 1969. Chief Lesaca's first assignment was Naval Air Station Ellyson Field, at Pensacola Florida. He then reported aboard his first at-sea command, USS PROTEUS (AS-19) in September 1971. Other assignments afloat include USS SIMON LAKE (AS-33), USS SARATOGA (CV-60), USS SIERRA (AD-18), USS GRIDLEY (CG-21), and USS ACADIA (AD-42). Ashore, Chief Lesaca served at Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Detachment Naval Station Rota Spain, Human Resources Management Detachment Subic Bay, and as a Company Commander at Recruit Training Center San Diego. Chief Lesaca earned the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various unit and campaign awards. He is authorized to wear the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (SW).

Retiring after 24 years of honorable service in the U.S. Navy as a Chief Machinery Repairman, Theodore Lesaca went on to earn various Coast Guard engineering certifications and went back to sea as a merchant mariner working for U.S. Military Sealift Command. Over the next 18 years he served aboard USNS KISKA, (T-AE-35), USNS SHASTA (T-AE-33), USNS FLINT (T-AE-32), USNS GUADALUPE (T-AO-200), USNS RAPPAHANNOCK (T-AO-204), USNS AMELIA EARHART (T-AKE-6), USNS CARL BRASHER (T-AKE-7), and USS EMORY S. LAND (AS-39). Both in and out of uniform, Theodore Lesaca has deployed in direct support of operations DESERT STORM, IRAQI FREEDOM, and ENDURING FREEDOM.

In all he spent; 42 years in service to country; 44 years as a devoted husband and father, who with his wife Leticia, raised a physician and a naval officer; and a lifetime creating a legacy for his grandchildren to admire. Ultimately, after a long struggle with Parkinsons disease, Lewey-Body dementia, and Leukemia, Theodore Lesaca passed away on Saturday 28 May, 2016.

He is survived by his wife Leticia Lesaca, Daughter Dr. Edith Ang & Dr. Jovel Ang & their daughter Elise Gia, and son LCDR Peter Lesaca & LCDR Noelle Murphy & their son Jack.