My condolences.

I was stationed at Point Mugu 1973-78. There was a DOLOPO but I forgot his first name. But he used to show me a photo of his father who was in the navy in the 20s.

On weekends he used to invite us younger sailors on a weekend trip down to Long Beach.

Is this the same person?

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What I will cherish the most is the way you made me feel—safe, valued, and deeply loved. You will always be in my heart my compass, my constant, my home.

As we say goodbye today, I know your love will never leave me. It’s in the lessons you taught me, the traditions you passed down, and the memories we built together. Your legacy lives on, not just in me, but in every life you touched.

Rest easy, Grandpa. Your watch is over, but your love endures. I will carry you with me always. 

Love,
Bim

We gather here today to honor and celebrate the life of a man who meant the world to me—my grandpa. Though the weight of this loss is heavy, I want to take this moment to share not just my sorrow, but my gratitude for the life he lived and the love he gave so freely.

My grandpa was more than just a grandfather—he was my father in every way that mattered. A man of quiet strength, unwavering devotion, and boundless love, he stepped up in ways that shaped my life forever. After serving his country in the Navy, he took on a new mission—raising me. And he did so with the same discipline, dedication, and heart that he had shown throughout his years of service.

Cooking was one of the many ways he showed his love. He could turn the simplest ingredients into a masterpiece, filling our home with the most comforting aromas and our hearts with warmth. Every dish carried a story, a lesson, a memory. 

He also found peace and joy in playing the piano. Music was his way of expressing himself, and I loved watching him play. He wasn’t just hitting the keys—he was telling a story with every note. Sometimes, he would hum along or close his eyes, lost in the melody, and in those moments, you could see how much music meant to him. 

And then there was his garden—his quiet sanctuary.  his garden was a reflection of the love and dedication he put into everything. He even inspired his love for gardening in his great grandchild Tyler.  The biggest lesson is that in tending to a garden was like tending to life—with patience, love, and a little faith, beautiful things will always bloom.

Grandpa, I will miss your wisdom, your laughter, and the way your eyes lit up when you talked about the things you loved. I will miss sitting in the kitchen with you, hearing your stories, and feeling the quiet strength of your presence. But most of all, I will miss you—because you were, and always will be, my father in every way that counts.

Continued..

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“Stop crying and keep trying,” he once told me when I was discouraged. I’ll never forget the time I came home with an F in art, feeling defeated, but he reminded me to never give up and keep practicing. Little did I know then that he was an artist at heart—whether it was painting, cutting papers and photographs, or bringing life back to dying plants in his beloved garden. His hands were always at work, creating, fixing, and nurturing. From household repairs to building projects, from fixing broken pipes to solving problems we couldn’t figure out, he was “Handy Andy,” the most dependable father I could ever ask for.

His love for tinkering and problem-solving is something I carry with me to this day. Everything I know about technology, art, and even the simplest household tasks is a gift from him. His instincts, his resourcefulness, and his unwavering spirit are engraved in my heart and mind. He taught me that being handy isn’t about being a man or a woman—it’s about being capable, resourceful, and fearless in the face of any challenge.

Even in his final days, his love for life remained evident. Taking him out to his garden, watering the plants he loved so much, I could see how much joy he found in nurturing and growing. He spoke of future projects, things he wanted to accomplish, and although those plans were put on hold, I know that in the afterlife, he’s working on them now.

Dad, I know you are here with us today, and I know you can hear me. In the afterlife, I believe you are watching over us, seeing all your dreams and ambitions unfold. And one day, we will meet again, and we’ll finish those projects—together.

I will always cherish the good times, because that’s how I want to remember you. I will carry your legacy forward with pride, and I will love you for all eternity. Thank you for everything, Dad. You were, and always will be, my greatest inspiration.

Love Always,
Marikit

2/24/2025
Today, we gather to honor and remember the incredible life of Andrew Laban Dolopo—a man of resilience, strength, and unwavering love. Born on December 7, 1940, he was the proud son of Tomas Dolopo, the first Filipino to enlist in the United States Navy in the Philippines in 1903. Following in his father’s footsteps, Andrew served his country with pride and dedication as a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy, and later continued his commitment to service as a dedicated worker for the United States Postal Service.

But beyond his professional titles and achievements, Andrew was, above all, an amazing father who provided for his family with unmatched dedication and love. His hard work opened doors for our dreams and ambitions, and he always made sure that we had every opportunity to succeed. He taught us the value of perseverance and the importance of chasing our goals with courage and determination.

Andrew had a way of making those around him feel good and happy. With his nonchalant attitude and his “Don’t worry, be happy” philosophy, he reminded us all to take life in stride and embrace its joys. He carried himself with an easygoing charm, but beneath it was a fire that burned fiercely. As a young man, he was a force to be reckoned with—a “tiny terror,” as one of his Navy shipmates once called him. He stood up not only for himself but for others, never allowing anyone to bully him or those he cared about. During the Vietnam War era, he even pursued his passion for boxing, aspiring to be a featherweight champion in the Navy. His fighting spirit never wavered, and he taught me, most of all, how to be brave—to face adversity straight in the eye and to never back down.

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Mr. Andrew Dolopo was a pleasure to be with as he was so positive & caring with a good sense of humor. He was kind and loved by so many people. He will be greatly missed. So many precious memories. So sad for your (his family's) great loss. In my prayers with Love, 
Carol Sedlacek

Mr. Andy D - I will always remember our cool conversations that we shared together every time we saw each other. You were an amazing man, an amazing human being. And this evident from all of the love that you were not only given by everyone who knew you but also by the love you gave to everyone you knew!  You will be missed here on earth, but you will always be with us in spirit!

Your friend and brother, 

Steve Arce

Dad,
I will always remember our conversations from my childhood to adulthood.

Thank you for believing in me, protecting me, thinking about me and making me feel important.

You inspired me to become the best Artist, Mother, Wife and human.

I wish we had more time together. I prayed so hard for you to stay longer on Earth (crying here). 

I had a dream days before you passed. 

In the front of your house, you were so strong and happy in your new young, strong body. 

I yelled, “BECAREFUL Dad!” But you were so happy, jumping and running!  You finally drove a car and your vision so accurate! 

Just like, Mr. Soto in my Book, “The Sakura.” 

You are Mr. Soto, in your beautiful Zen Garden, so happy and at peace. 

Know that, I love you no matter wherever you are.

Remember that we will meet again and be together.

Our lives will loop for eternity, until the Legend of the Globe ceases to exist.

Finally with your parents, Justa and Tomas Dolopo. He was so proud of you Dad. You finally get to see your Mother too. 

I know you will visit us as a hummingbird from time to time. 

Don’t be afraid to leave us a sign you are around, we will expect it.

I know you are reading this message, in Heaven.

I am thinking of my beautiful, beloved, Handy Andy.

The beautiful plants you left behind will be cared for as long as we can. The Biden plant, Sakura, and Jajoba Tree. 

The Nativity will be lit as long as I can on special occasions. 

I will play your songs on the Piano, to remind me of you. 

I’m so glad I videoed you constantly so I have memories of you. 

You were so HILARIOUS! 

I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU DAD! 

Your Daughter AMDZ

My father, Another bright, warm personality has left. I miss you Thanks for always trying to cheer me and others up. Analyn

Andy had that million dollar smile ever since I met the guy as a casual postal employee. I don’t remember the guy looking down on anybody casual or a regular worker.  Easy going and always had that friendly smile. May You Rest In Peace The Lord Is Waiting For Your Arrival🙏🏼😇
Our Condolences To The Dolopo Family
Manny & Belen Quicho

OBITUARY

Andrew Laban Dolopo

December 7, 1940 – January 26, 2025

Funeraria del Angel Chula Vista

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