Segundo Paraoan Cacao

On October 24, 2025, Segundo Paraoan Cacao, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 86. He was born on March 29,1939, in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Philippines to parents Pedro and Rufina Cacao. Segundo was their first born and eldest brother to Benjamin, Cresencio, Lilia, Roque, and Norma. Before immigrating to the United States, Segundo worked long hard days in the fields of his family’s farm. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of the East in Manila where he studied business, all while working as a jeepney driver to help fund his education. When the opportunity arose in 1961 to join the United States Navy, Segundo enlisted at 21 years old and started his military career at boot camp in San Diego, CA. His first duty station as a Seaman was at NAVSTA Newport, RI.

A few years later, while stationed at NAVSTA Norfolk, VA, Segundo was introduced to his future wife, Illuminada. The two started off as pen pals but swiftly began their courtship after meeting for the first time in May 1964. They married on January 9, 1965, and moved between Segundo’s several duty stations in the US and the Philippines while serving out his Navy career. During this time, they had three sons, Freddie, Edgar, and Nestor. After the birth of their third son, Segundo was transferred to NAS Moffett Field, CA in 1972. His family settled down after their first home purchase in Milpitas, CA.

After nearly two decades of dedicated service in the United States Navy, Segundo began preparing for the next chapter of his life. He was determined to create a better life for himself and his family in the land of opportunity and freedom. He completed his higher education at the Bachelor Enlisted Quarters Management School, and one year prior to his retirement, he completed courses at Mission College in Santa Clara, CA to obtain his California Real Estate License in 1980. Segundo honorably achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer (E7) and proudly retired from the United States Navy in 1981. After his retirement from the Navy, he travelled the world with his wife, visiting the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

Segundo will forever be remembered for his humility, work ethic, generosity, and unconditional love for his family and friends. Segundo always emphasized the importance of family and showing compassion to others as if they were his own brothers and sisters. Segundo touched the lives of many through his dedicated involvement in the Filipino American Association of Milpitas and the singing group D’Sonata. He often enjoyed his trips to the casinos, watching boxing on the television, listening and dancing to music, getting his daily exercise at the park, and spending time with his friends and family. Segundo was very proud of the life he created not just for himself, but for his parents, siblings, wife, children, and grandchildren. He was always his happiest when all his family were together.

Segundo was preceded in death by his parents Pedro and Rufina, son Nestor, and siblings Norma and Cresencio. He is survived by his wife Illuminada, sons Freddie (Darra) and Edgar (Rosana), his eight grandchildren Cassandra (Mel), Alexa (Harry), Jordan, Brianna, Emily, Nestor Jr., Kylie, and Madeline, as well as his siblings Benjamin (Gloria), Lilia and Roque (Lolit), all of whom he dearly loved.

Viewing will begin on November 10, 2025 at 1:00 pm, with the rosary/vigil starting at 5:00 pm in the chapel at the Lima Milpitas-Fremont Mortuary and Cedar Lawn Cemetery, Fremont, CA. The funeral mass will begin at 10:30 am on November 11, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Milpitas, CA. Burial will commence at Lima Milpitas-Fremont Mortuary and Cedar Lawn Cemetery at 12:00PM. Streaming will be available for the funeral mass held on November 11, 2025.