Francisco Orogo Tan Jr.

Francisco "Frank" Orogo Tan, Jr. was born October 18, 1940, in the provincial city of San Vicente, Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines during the brink of WWII. He was the eldest son of the late Francisco Tan Sr. and Felicisima Orogo.

Being the oldest of five (5) boys, Frank stood beside his parents as a patriarchal figure. It was in late 1947 when the family migrated to Las Piñas which was then considered as the ‘salt bed of the Philippines’. Life during that time was simple but far from easy; and yet, he gave it his all. He finished high school in 1958 at Southeastern College in Pasay City; however, instead of pursuing a higher education, Frank would be doing odd jobs to augment the family’s financial needs.

Compelled to do more, Frank joined the US Navy in 1959 and found himself on the coast of San Diego, California where he underwent basic training. Frank was also assigned to duty stations in Hawaii, Florida, and Norfolk. As a sailor, he travelled all over the world to include Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

In 1967 while Frank was stationed in Norfolk, Candelaria (Candi) Bernardino, a registered nurse at the University of Virginia, caught the eye of debonair Frank during his best ‘kumpadre’s’ (best friend’s) wedding in Charlottesville. It was love at first sight and after a whirlwind courtship, Frank and Candi’s future was sealed. On April 6,1968, Frank and Candi were married. Within a year, Sigmund (Sig) was born, and Osmund (Oz) would follow 5 years later. They created their first home in Norfolk and eventually settled in the suburbs of Virginia Beach. Frank and Candi were married for 55 wonderful years. Great memories were shared through their travels to destinations all over the US, the Hawaiian Islands, the Philippines, Canada, and the Caribbean. They enjoyed time spent at the casinos, eating at exquisite restaurants, and entertaining friends in their home,

As a proud American having served his country with honor for 20 years, Frank retired from the US Navy as Senior Chief in 1979. During his service, he earned recognitions and medals including multiple Good Conduct Awards, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Joint Service Commemoration Medal. He served as Wardroom/General Mess Supervisor and Collateral Duty Career Information Coordinator amongst the other positions he held. He was assigned to the USS Delta (AR-9), USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20), and the USS Guadalcanal (LPH-7). He had exemplary service in Naval Administration at the Armed Forces Staff College and the USS Mount Whitney. He was a special assistant to Senator Jeremiah Denton who was a Commandant at the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk.

On August 21,1983, Frank graduated from Old Dominion University and received his long-awaited Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Management Information Systems. He would use his education to venture into business and later work for the civil service for many years.

Frank was the life of the party. He was gregarious and had the mischievous twinkle in his eyes when he delivered his jokes; and his dry jokes never ceased to deliver its punch; if not for the joke, you cannot not get the humor behind his witticisms.

Frank was very patriotic and enjoyed following politics and being involved in his community. He was a longtime member of both the St. Gregory’s Catholic Church and the United Ilocano Association of Tidewater (UIAT).

Frank and Candi raised two very successful children. Sig is an anesthesiologist and Oz is a Chief Inspector with the US Marshals. Sig is married to Bethany, a thoracic surgeon, and they gifted Frank and Candi’s first granddaughter, Isabelle, who they adored; and their world as grandparents began. Oz is married to Maricar, a physician/executive administrator at the Veterans Affairs, and together they gave them their next two beautiful grandchildren, Nina and Noah. As a Navy man, he wanted to make sure his grandchildren were expert swimmers. For many summers early in the morning, he drove all three to the Navy base for swimming lessons and a McDonalds breakfast to follow. The reality of having two lovely granddaughters would bring out the roaring protective tiger in him. As for his dearest Noah, they shared a love for the Steelers, pouring coffee on fried rice, and were kindred spirits.

Frank and Candi’s home was their tropical paradise where they created a garden that could be featured by any home and gardening magazine. The dedication, time, commitment, and abounding joy he poured into his yard was love in itself. Even when physically ill, Frank would find every ounce of energy to tend to his garden making sure they were protected from the elements, predatory squirrels, and bunny rabbits. He loved to share the bounty from his garden with friends and families and it would be common to see him knocking on your door with some fresh fruit and vegetables.

Who could forget his skill in cooking his delicacies? Who had tasted his ‘ukoy’? He loved his “kakanin” (Philippine desserts). His Spanish style pork chops were one of a kind. And the secret barbeque marinade everyone is raving about has now been passed down to the next generation.

On October 14, 2023, at 82 years of age, Frank passed away into the loving arms of Our Father with his family by his side.

In addition to his parents, Frank was pre-deceased by a brother Antonio, and sister Zenaida. Frank is survived by his loving wife Candi; his eldest son Sig, daughter-in-law Bethany, granddaughter Isabelle; his youngest son Oz, daughter-in-law Maricar, grandchildren Nina and Noah; and four brothers Persevelando, Prudencio, Edilberto, and Manuel; he will be much missed by his beloved dog, Fritz.

The Tan family lost a devoted husband, a loving father, and an adoring grandfather. Frank lived a very full life with so many chapters of his story to tell. We are so very grateful to be with him on his journey and we are thankful for the assurance that we will meet again in heaven.

The family invites you to a Novena beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2023, followed by a time of visitation until 6 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 10 a.m. He will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens following the Mass. Please visit his webpage at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com to leave a note of condolence to his family.