Reynaldo Apoderado Recafrente

Reynaldo Apoderado Recafrente was born on October 7, 1948 in Sta. Ines, San Miguel, Bulacan. He was son to Dolores Apoderado and Melencio Recafrente. He was the youngest brother to Amelia, Pacifico, Virgilio, and Teresita Maglaque.

He attended San Miguel Bulacan High School and later finished school in Paonboong, Bulacan High School. After high school he worked with his brother as an assistant in the logging business. He joined the United States Navy in October of 1967. After two years of service he returned to the Philippines to marry the love of his life, Luningning on October 10, 1970. They both moved to the United States and began their family in America. They had three daughters: Cherylin (44), Debbie (37), and Mary Grace (34). In addition to his immediate family he continued to support his family in the Philippines to include his mother, siblings, cousins, nephews and nieces. He always spoke of the importance of helping family and did his best to not only provide for his immediate family, but to provide what he could to all those he knew that needed a helping hand. He instilled in his daughters that hard work will get you far in life and always encouraged them to strive for the best. Even with a career in the Navy, he worked part-time jobs as a custodian, security guard, and a vending machine stocker. He had a strong work ethic and did all he could to give his family the best life possible.

Serving in the military gave him a sense of pride as he became a Company Commander where he was a role model for many recruits and new enlistees. He retired from the United States Navy at sea during the year of 1991. After serving 24 years in the military, he continued working and became a School Bus Driver for San Diego Unified School District. He enjoyed his time in this position and made many connections with the students and parents he had the pleasure of knowing. They showered him with gifts of appreciation and baked goods for taking care of the kids on his routes. He was even able to pick up a part-time position working at St. Vincent de Paul as a cook for the homeless shelter. After 20 years of being a School Bus Driver from SDUSD he happily entered retirement at the end of September 2014. During his transition between his time spent in the military and becoming a school bus driver, he joined the Silver Gate Three Stars Lodge #296 in June of 1991, and became a part of a brotherhood that would last forever. He was bestowed with the degree of Master Mason in March of 2017 after 25 years of membership in fraternal bond with his Mason brothers.

Reynaldo extended his family and became a Father-In-Law to Charles Palmer and Mark Kopecky. He also is a grandfather to Reynalyn Villegas, Dylan Marie and Gwendalyn Kopecky, Leela Rae and Charles Lee Jr. (CJ) Palmer. His family is extremely proud and grateful for all the sacrifices he endured to give them all a good life. He was a good son, loving husband, supportive father, caring grandpa, loyal brother and faithful friend to all. He had simple pleasures in life and shared that through music, singing karaoke, dancing, and spending time with friends and family. He was loved by so many and his generosity towards others will never be forgotten. He will always be in our hearts and his legacy will continue to live on through his family.