After more than a decade of fighting ill health, Norberto Coronel returned to the Lord peacefully with his family by his side on January 31, 2020. Bert as he is affectionally known, is survived by his wife Conchita, their only daughter, Marie Coronel Dunlap, Marie’s husband, John Dunlap, and three grandsons, Joseph Charles, Patrick Coronel and Christopher Edward. Bert is also survived by sisters, brothers and many nephews and nieces.
Bert’s story began on April 6, 1938 in La Paz, Tarlac, in the Philippines where he was born. Bert was one of nine children in his family. While in school, Bert worked several jobs to help support the family. Even at a young age, it was clear Bert had leadership qualities. Bert was protective of loved ones and devoted to family. Bert was social, always making friends with strangers. Bert gained the respect of those in his neighborhood because of his character, actions and attitude. In years to come, Bert would take on the responsibility of making decisions for the family and making plans for their future.
In the 1970s, Bert left the Philippines and ventured to the United States to join his parents, his sister Elisa and her husband. Bert Coronel never took the easy road. From the moment that he landed in San Francisco, Bert insisted on taking a bus to his new home in Washington, D.C., making friends with passengers as he explored the United States. While in the Washington, D.C. area, Bert worked in data processing for a bank while in a long distance relationship with his soon to be wife, Conchita. Bert and his family would eventually relocate to San Diego, CA, a community Bert came to love.
Before making the move, Bert and Conchita were married in the Philippines. Conchita would soon join Bert in San Diego where they would spend most of the next 35 years. Bert and Conchita began their careers at San Diego Bank and Trust. Bert and Conchita enjoyed time with family and friends. Bert was always the life of the party at family events, company holiday parties, and with everyone who encountered him. He was a great story-teller with humor and witt. He enjoyed having conversations about any topic with everyone. Bert was always the one on the dance floor and his dance card was always full with people in line to dance with him.
In 1981, the couple had a baby boy, Charles Edward. Sadly, Baby Charles passed away still born. A year later, the couple received their greatest blessing, a little girl, Marie. Marie’s birth was the turning point that changed their life forever. As a father, Bert placed his daughter on a pedestal and from the beginning Marie was daddy’s girl. Bert never missed a dance competition, a school awards ceremony, or a performance, putting all aside for Marie.
As a family, the Coronels took vacations and spent time with extended family, but above all Bert made sure his family’s faith was strong. Bert was a proud usher, Knight of Columbus, and member of the Holy Name Society at Saint Charles Catholic Church near Imperial Beach. Bert made sure his family never missed Mass and was an inspiration for his son-in-law’s conversion to the Catholic Church. Bert’s love of faith continues with his grandsons’ Catholic education and his family’s involvement in Catholic schools and the Church.
A highlight of Bert’s life was walking his daughter down the aisle at her wedding and dancing with Marie during their father daughter dance, just months after doctors told the family Bert would not live to see the wedding. Bert’s determination to be there for Marie never wavered.
During his retired life, Norberto traveled the world with his wife and siblings visiting Europe, Mexico, Canada and the Philippines. Domestically, Bert and his family made pilgrimages to churches from San Antonito to Montreal and across California. During his final battle with illness, Bert would always receive a blessing from a priest during his pilgrimages.
What brought the biggest smile to Bert’s face was spending time with his family at home, backyard BBQs, family movie nights, and celebrating his birthdays with clergy, being with his beloved grandsons, and listening to his pride and joy, Marie, report tv news to the community she grew up in.
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