Honorato Catamisan Manalo

With profound sadness and great sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Honorato Manalo. After a brief illness, he passed away at the age of 86. Born in Cavite City, Philippines, he was one of nine siblings. His parents were Isidoro Manalo and Julia Catamisan.He left behind his wife, Sylvia, daughters Sheila Manalo, Nannette (Joe) Brenner, and Helen (Luis) Alba; grandchildren Sophia, Ophelia (Santiago) Carrillo, Lucia, Maria, and John; and great grandson Oliver. He also left behind several nieces and nephews.

He proudly served his country, serving a 3-year tour of duty in Vietnam. While stationed onboard USS Vernon County, he was part of the U.S. “Brown Water Navy,” patrolling the Mekong Delta. Retiring from the military after twenty years of service, he started a career with the federal government, working at the Supply Department for 15 years. With a total of 35 years of service in the federal government, he retired again in 1999.

Upon retirement, he volunteered in various organizations. He delivered for “Meals on Wheels,” and served meals at Brother Benno, for five years. He often drove friends to their doctor’s appointments. Then, travels took him and his wife to many countries. He relished the experience of meeting new people, learning about local customs and culture of countries he visited. As he often said, “Learning about people’s culture and customs develops understanding and tolerance.” There are many highlights of his travels, one was being chosen as village chief for a day in Fiji. The official appointment ceremony was complete, including the drinking of kava. His outgoing personality earned him an invitation to the captain’s dinner table, while on a river cruise in Egypt. Until recently, he and his wife volunteered at San Luis Rey Mission regularly, selling candles. He was known to buy candles for someone who cannot afford to pay. He also handed $20 bills, occasionally, to homeless people seeking help at the Mission.

Nor, as friends call him, saved his great love for his family. His daughters made him proud, and he believed that his grandchildren and great-grandson were gifts from heaven. He and his wife had a loving relationship and mutual respect during their marriage of 62 years. We will always remember and are eternally grateful for his sacrifices and hard work to provide for his family. Without him, we will not have the life we have now.

The family would like to thank the medical staff at 5 North Ward, Naval Medical Center San Diego, and the social worker, who provided caring and compassionate support for him during his stay at the hospital.

Viewing is scheduled for Sep 2, at Eternal Hills in Oceanside, from 4 pm to 8 pm. Mass will be offered at the San Luis Rey Mission in Oceanside, on Sep 3, at 1:30 pm. Burial will follow immediately at San Luis Rey Mission Cemetery.

The family invites everyone to continue to celebrate the life of our loved one at a reception at San Luis Rey Mission, 4050 Mission Ave, Oceanside 92057.

A Committal Service will be held at Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery, 4050 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92057, US, on September 3, 2026, from 2:45 pm to 3:30 pm.