Monico L Dancel

My dad was my hero. He could make every person feel like they were the most important person in the world. Growing up, I knew that I could always ask Dad for help – and he would be willing to drop anything to lend a hand. He was a rock of stability in my childhood and a source of strength for our whole family.

My father was a man of integrity and compassion. He taught my siblings and me the value of hard work and dedication through his unwavering commitment to our family. A memorable moment that encapsulates his kindness took place in my younger years, which is still fresh in my memory. During Christmas, we all went to church as a family and then spent some time at the mall. I still fondly remember when he asked me to choose what I wanted for Christmas. After happily picking what I wanted, he didn’t hesitate to pay for it no matter what the cost was.

Throughout his career, my father displayed a hard working spirit, perseverance and love to support our family. His work ethics was unmatched and he took pride in making a positive impact on the lives of his family and friends.

My Dad who is fondly called Monning by his friends and relatives, was born to Eulalio & Florentina Dancel on May 4, 1945 in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. He graduated with a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education at La Union School of Arts and Trade. He was a talented Industrial Teacher with a Masters Degree in Automotive from the University of Manila. My Dad started his teaching career after graduation and he met my Mom, Flora Umlas, while taking his Masters Degree. They were classmates in several subjects at the University, got acquainted with each other, started dating and eventually got engaged. Mom and Dad were married on October 18, 1975. They both worked as Teachers at the Special Education Center for Rehabilitation in Tanay, Rizal, Philippines. After teaching for 30 years, my Dad then retired and migrated to the United States on May 29, 1993.

Aside from his love of teaching, my Dad was passionate about reading newspapers and watching news on TV. He also loved to plant and tend to fruit bearing trees as well as planting, harvesting & cooking his favorite vegetables.

When my Dad arrived in California, he worked at San Manuel, Yamava Casino and Resort in San Bernardino, California and later on worked as a Security Officer for a private firm and then retired for the second time. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and perseverance and a life filled with purpose. He touched people’s lives and left and indelible mark in our hearts.

In his later years, my father faced his illness with immense courage and determination. He had high blood pressure, prostate cancer, benign tumor on his right ear and Parkinsons disease that caused him pain, yet he endured by finding strength in the unwavering support he received from my mom and our family.

My dad passed away at the Saint Bernardine Medical Center on March 11, 2024 at a ripe age of 81, surrounded by his family, siblings, in-laws and nieces. He is survived by my mom Flora, and my siblings Janssen and Herbert; his brothers Roldan & Hernando, and sister Floradema Dancel Ibalio; nephews Bernard John & Jeffrey Dancel, Bernard, Mark & Allen Lorenzo; and nieces Desiree Valdez and Charisma & Kristel Ibalio; brother-in-law; sisters-in-law; cousins, and friends who loved him and whom he loved. His parents Eulalio & Florentina, and sister Magdalena Lorenzo passed away ahead of him.

I am forever grateful for the love my father bestowed upon me, and the lessons he taught will remain with me throughout my whole life. As we bid my father goodbye, I thank you all - in behalf of my Mom and siblings - for joining us today to honor his memory and celebrate the remarkable life he led. He will forever be in our hearts.