Santiago G. Vicente

March 27, 1930-February 24, 2016

Santiago G. Vicente, 85 years old, died peacefully on February 24, 2016, after a long illness in Imperial Beach, California.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years Saturnina Abubo Vicente; two daughters, Dolores (Rogelio) Tungcab of Imperial Beach, Joy Vicente of Arizona; two sons: Gabriel (Cathy) Vicente of San Diego and Ramon (Belinda) Vicente of San Diego; brother, Benjamin (Winnie) Vicente of Imperial Beach, California;

sisters, Rosita V. Rojas of Lantian Zamboanga del Sur and Rosario V. Manglicmot of San Felipe Zambales, Philippines and Lolita (Francisco) Ugalde of Moreno, California; sister-in-law Sally (Abraham) Vicente of Arizona. His late brother Abraham preceded Santiago in death. 10 grandchildren, Roel, Rommel,

Raymond, Rosalyn Tungcab; Alanna & Adelia Vicente; Cherry Ann Hernandez & James Vicente; Lyndsey & Mychelle Mortenson; 10 great grandchildren: Kiara, Christina, Brandon, Lauren, Micah, Averie Tungcab; Laurelle & Kyle Tungcab Taylor; Sophia Selena Gonzales; Meilin Vicente as well as many

beloved nephews & nieces from the US, Australia, Canada, London, United Arab Emirates, Jeddah.

Santiago was born on March 27, 1930 in Labangan, Lantian, Zamboanga del Sur, to the late Cornelia Gabriel Vicente and Canuto Alvis Vicente of San Marcelino, Zambales. He went to school in Southern Mindanao College in Pagadian Zamboaga del Sur & Central Institute of Technology in Manila, Philippines.

In 1955, at the age of 25, he enlisted in the Navy and completed his recruit training in San Diego, California. After boot camp he was assigned as a Steward in Wichita Kansas and completed his tour of duty in 1959. During that time he requested to change his rating designation from Stewardsman to

Constructionman with the Seabees. After completing CM "A" School at Port Hueneme, CA. he was

assigned to NMCB 9 serving the Pacific Fleet. In February 1964 he was transferred to Antarctic Support Activity in Davisville, Rhode Island supporting the installation of a nuclear facility for McMurdo Station, Antarctica. In 1965, he spent his first Shore Tour of duty as a Mechanic with Headquarters Support

Activity, Taipei, Taiwan. In 1967, he received Combat Training with the 31st Regiment, Port Huenema CA. His next duty assignment was with the 3rd Naval Construction Brigade, Danang, Republic of South Vietnam. He had numerous tours of duties until his retirement at North Island. Santiago achieved the rank

of Chief Construction Mechanic before retiring from the Navy in 1974. Santiago received numerous awards that include: National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal 4th award; Antarctic Service Medal with Bronze Clasped Disc; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Ribbon and numerous Letters of

Commendation.

After the Navy, he and Saturnina made Imperial Beach their permanent home. He was employed by Wallace Machinery as Caterpillar Equipment mechanic for two years and decided to work for the Port District until he decided to open up NAPA auto parts franchise in Imperial Beach. Santiago later closed the

business and enjoyed his retirement. Santiago served as an Elder at the L Street Church of Christ in Chula Vista, California and was a member

of the Marikina Church of Christ in the Philippines. Santiago and Saturnina spent the last 12 years living in

the Philippines and returning each year to Imperial Beach for short vacations.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and caring and compassionate friend.