Domingo Aquino Bongato

Domingo was born on May 2, 1937 in Mangaldan, Pangasinan Province, Philippines, to Maximo and Felisa Bongato. He attended Far Eastern University in Manila, and served in the Philippine Marine Corps. On April 5, 1961, Domingo married Rebecca Velasco and in 1972, they immigrated to the United States and lived briefly in Hanford, later settling in Lemoore, in Kings County.

One of Domingo’s first jobs in the U.S. was teaching a popular Karate class at the Kings County YMCA in Hanford, CA. He was an active member of the Filipino (Fil-Am) Community of Kings County in the 70’s and 80’s. Professionally, Domingo held supervisory/managerial positions in various companies throughout the Central Valley, including Tachi Palace.

Domingo will be remembered for his smiles, laughter and easygoing demeanor. He danced and sang in family gatherings and social events, and even brought his own karaoke machine to his 80th birthday celebration.

Domingo is survived by Rebecca, wife of 61 years; his children, Celedonio ’Don’ (Yolanda) Bongato of Tulare, CA; Geneva (Joey) Sanchez of Surf City, NC; Leila Bongato (David Ross) Smith of Walnut Creek, CA; and Venus ‘Cindy’ (Rodolfo) Calderon of Cheyenne, WY; his grandchildren, Joseph (Maria) Sanchez; Jasmine (Tanner) Harvey; Kathryne and Jacob Calderon; and Micah and Ambria Bongato, and sister Violeta Tamayo of San Jose, CA.

Domingo’s Memorial service will be held on September 14, 2022, at 11:30am at the Visalia Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Bongato family.