Licerio Ochave Bernas

On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Licerio O. Bernas, loving husband and father of three children, passed away peacefully at Torrance Memorial Medical Center hospital due to heart-related issues. He was 88 years young living with his family in Torrance, California.

Licerio was born on August 17, 1935, in Alaminos, Pangasinan, Philippines, the son of Perfecto and Leocadia Ochave Bernas. He was the fifth child of nine brothers and sisters: Victoria, Rosalia, Honorata, Francisco, Nicolas, Felix, Celerino, and Anita. He attended The Great Plebeian College - High School Department, Alaminos, Pangasinan, graduating salutatorian of his high school class. He continued his education and was a member of the NROTC as he studied marine engineering at FEATI University - College of Engineering (Far Eastern Air Transport Incorporated University Institute of Technology) Manila, Philippines. In 1958 he enlisted to serve in the United States Navy and for the next 22 years traveled the world serving our great country. In 1980 he retired from Active-Duty with the US Navy, earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer, and was transferred to the US Naval Reserve. After his Navy retirement he was employed for an additional 13 years managing operations and production at the Coca-Cola Bottling plant in New Orleans, Louisiana, resulting in a second retirement followed by a move to a new home in Pensacola, Florida. He will be remembered for his solid work ethic and his extensive career in service to our country.

On January 27, 1962, he married Clarita Sevilla Sison at Sta. Ana Church, Santa Ana, Manila, Philippines. They raised three sons, Michael, Nathaniel, and Licerio S.

Licerio had a passion for living life. A Navy career brought change every two years transferring from one ship and Navy base to the next in a new city and state: San Diego CA, Long Beach CA, Honolulu HI, Philadelphia PA, Norfolk VA, Key West FL, Norfolk VA, Jacksonville FL, Charleston SC, Manama Bahrain, New Orleans LA. In his younger years he and Clarita enjoyed family celebrations, traveling, and saltwater fishing. They were both active members in local Filipino organizations and groups in each city they called home. After his second retirement he and Clarita enjoyed playing the slot machines at the many Gulf Coast Casinos on fun filled excursions with family friends, win or lose they enjoyed their time together. Their move to Pensacola, Florida, was influenced by the large community of US Military Retirees that lived in the area as well as allowing them to enjoy the benefits of living near the Pensacola Naval Air Station with all the many base facilities that support service members. He was known for his good nature, friendly attitude, his desire to provide for and take care of his family.

Licerio was preceded by his wife Clarita, his father Perfecto, and his mother Leocadia. He is survived by his three children and their families: Michael (Michelle), Nathaniel (Mary Elisa) and Licerio S (Cheryl), seven grandchildren (Kari-Anne, Malyssa, Andrew, Krystine, Allison, Neil, Gabrielle), and three great grandchildren (Nathan, Matthew, Oliver), his brother Celerino, his sister Anita, many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A funeral service with military honors will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Pensacola, Florida, United States of America, with a date to be announced in the future. Cremation services provided by Halverson, Stone & Myers Mortuary, a member of the Dignity Memorial Network, Torrance, California.

Licerio and Clarita are now happily reunited in eternal rest and peace, together in the arms of the angels.