Floyd E. Gandeza

On August 15, 1926, Florentino Espiritu Jaquias Gandeza (affectionately known as: Floyd, Pering, and Tatang) was born to Marcelina Jaquias and Manuel T. Gandeza in the town of Honoka’a, Hawaii, HI. At the age of 7, Floyd and his family migrated to the Philippines to reside in Patucannay, Tayum, Abra.

During World War II, at 19 years old, Floyd joined the USAFFE/Guerilla Unit. On June 19, 1945, he enlisted with the Armed Forces/Regular Force of the Philippines with the rank of Private and Private First Class. After 23 years of service, Floyd retired as a Technical Sergeant, having received the Philippine Liberation Medal.

During the early years of his military service, Floyd married his neighbor, Pacita Millare on May 14, 1952. Together they had seven children: Crescencia (Orlando Visitacion), Eduardo (Ledda), Delfin (Glenda), Zenaida (Daniel Cruz, Sr.), Elizabeth (Frank Prado), Expedito (Melissa), and Joseph. In 1972, Floyd migrated to Hanapepe, Kauai, HI with Cresencia and Eduardo. In 1973, Pacita and the rest of the family joined Floyd in Hanapepe. Later that same year, Floyd and his family moved to the mainland to Santa Clara, CA. While in California, Floyd worked at Prudelin Fiberglass, Evergreen City College, and Lockheed Martin, where he worked for 19 years before his retirement in 1997.

After retirement, Floyd enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, the Philippines, and Southern California. He loved spending time with his family, watching TV, fishing, tending to his garden, listening to music, and smoking his pipe and cigars.

Floyd is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Jesuina (Reyes) & Beatrice (Velasco). He is survived by his wife of 61 years, his 7 children, 18 grandchildren (Lynn, Eddie, Delfin Jr., Daniel Jr., Emily, Jonathan, Sheela, Jennifer, Shinette, Chenoa, Shawn, Lendel, Christian, Justin, Shane, Elijah, Hezekiah, Zephaniah), 10 Great-Grandchildren (Kayla, Jadalyn, Myrene Kiyana, Aleizay, Jordan, Bioni, Eddie (III), Alexis, Makaio & Chanel), and 9 siblings Jovita (Gonzales), Zosimo, Arnoldo, Ermelinda, Lita (Vasquez), Carlina (Orejudos), Ruben, Rudy, and Regina (Calvo).

Tatang was a good man--very-kind hearted & loving, full of wisdom, knowledgeable & caring towards others. He opened his home to many. WE LOVE YOU Tatang Floyd.