Herminio Cruz Mallari, beloved husband, father, and lolo, drew his last breath on the evening of May 21, 2020. Herminio was born in Malabon, Philippines on September 28, 1949 as the eldest of 5 siblings: Yolanda, Raul, Jaime, and Arnold. He joined the United States Navy August 7, 1970 and quickly worked his way to becoming a well-respected Master Chief while serving in the Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars. When rising within naval ranks he operated on the USS Ogden, USS Chicago, USS Inchon, USS Ashtabula, and USS Constellation. After 24 years of service he “retired” and shortly thereafter realized he hated the retired lifestyle and began working as the Commissary Director on several military installations. On January 1, 1978 he married his loving wife of 42 years, Santicima Mallari and established a first generation Filipino-American family with the birth of their first daughter April Mallari and their second, Tuesday Mallari. He had two dogs who he lovingly referred to as his “sons,” Andrew E and Ryder. He was a proud FilAm Association member under St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was a spokesperson in the Marriage Spirituality Foundation. He spent his time collecting coins and travelling; but his favorite place was Las Vegas, and as they say “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” He was a true believer in the “classics”: Phil Collins, Journey, The Beatles, Bee Gees, Bob Dylan, The Eagles, Righteous Brothers, The Commodores, Earth Wind and Fire to name a few. His favorite moments in life happened on the road while driving cross country where he would blast his favorite songs and sing along loudly and proudly with his family. On one of his travels he lost his way and stumbled upon the Mother Cabrini Shrine which became his favorite patron saint; he then would go on what he termed his “yearly pilgrimage” where he marked his stay by donating a bench and would invite friends and family to visit often. Side note: He always made a stop in Las Vegas on his pilgrimage and would donate all his winnings to that Shrine. His often off-color jokes, funny quirks and loving nature will be missed by many; he was a father to all, generous to a fault, and annoyingly passionate in all that he believed was right and just. He established a multitude of friendships along his life’s journey, and one that greatly impacted his last few years of his life was with his nurse, Kareen Dillard who soon became part of the Mallari family. He is survived by his wife Santi, daughters April and Tuesday, and granddaughter Memphis Kaelani who was the light of his life.
Private services are closed and will be held for Herminio Cruz Mallari. However, all are invited to his final resting place to bid him Fair Winds and Following Seas.
Burial of Herminio Cruz Mallari
Friday, June 5 2020 – 11am
Eternal Hills Mortuary & Crematory at Eternal Hills Memorial Park
1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA
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