Aureano Chavez Carandang

Aureano C. Carandang—fondly known as Aurie, Uncle Aurie, Lolo, Grandpa, Siajo Aurie, “Mang Jorge”, and most especially Dad was born on March 11, 1934, in Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines. On June 15, 2026, he was called home to join our Lord.

Aurie was preceded in death by his parents, Mariano and Priscilla Carandang, and by his beloved wife, Juanita. He is survived by his children: Jerry (Elsa), Cyril (Raquel), Francis Raymond (Sherry), Jonathan (Andrea), Eric (Linny), and Aura Luz (Phill). He is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Anthony Glen (Samantha), Joshua Rey (Angelica), Kristine (Maynard), Angela, Aiden Francis, Daniel Luc, Philip, Lukas, Brian (Mark), Andrea (Joshua), and Sophia, and great grandchildren: Aulani Rei, Mateo, and Trinity. He is also survived by his sisters, Gloria Suyao and Consolacion Marquez.

Aurie served in the United States Navy, enlisting in 1958 and retiring in 1977. His duty stations included Annapolis, Meridian, and Norfolk, and he served aboard several ships, including the USS Kitty Hawk, USS Leary, and USS Ranger. He was a Vietnam War veteran, served with NMCB4 at Camp Adenir—a place whose name carried deep meaning for him. He often shared the story of how the camp was named after his friend. Another meaningful memory was the day President John F. Kennedy personally requested to shake his hand after preparing his meal—an honor Aurie never forgot. His deployments took him around the world, including time in Okinawa Japan, Rota Spain and Diego Garcia - experiences that shaped his discipline, resilience, and quiet strength. Aurie was proud of his military service and of his children who equally answered the call, including an Army Sergeant First Class, a Navy Captain, an Air Force Colonel and a Navy Lieutenant Commander, and one grandchild Lieutenant Commander who graduated from the Naval Academy.

Beyond his military service, Aurie lived a life rich with hobbies, talents, and simple joys. He was an avid bowler, leading the U.S. Naval Bowling Team in the 1960s and again in the 1990s after the family returned to the US. During his time on the USS Kitty Hawk, he played catcher on the ship’s baseball team.

He loved watching sports—especially boxing, baseball, and football. He enjoyed western and action movies. His all time favorite actor was Chuck Norris, and Walker, Texas Ranger was on constant repeat.

Aurie was also remarkably handy, always ready to help his children with their home repairs and improvement projects. Christmas was one of his favorite times of year. He took pride in being the first on the block to decorate, always hanging the Filipino parol he crafted himself.

He never gave up on his dream of winning the lottery, never missing his regular walks to am/pm—part exercise routine, part mission, and entirely fueled by the hope that he will split his winnings among his children. And no one could forget the meals he made—especially his famous roast beef and Salisbury steak, dishes that became family staples.

Though a quiet man, Aurie was a great provider, a strong presence, and a disciplinarian-believing that discipline was another form of love and protection. And beneath that firmness was a generosity and always willing to help. He lived simply but gave deeply through his work, his service, his humor, his stories, and the countless ways he provided for his family and others.

He will be sorely missed, but his memory will continue to shine in the lives of all who loved him. He is now reunited with his beloved wife and all those who have gone before him.

Visitation will be held at El Camino Memorial Chapel, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92121, on June 26, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Committal Service & Burial With Honors will be held at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122, on June 29, 2026, at 10:15 am.